Cambridge United

Cambridge United are delighted to announce the appointment of former club captain Ian Miller as Community Football Manager.

The ex-U’s skipper has re-joined the club and taken up a full-time position in which he will oversee all of Cambridge United’s open-access Community Football Programmes, including the highly popular Soccer Schools, the Soccer Centres and Soccer Tots courses as well as the club’s exciting Birthday Party Packages.

Miller’s remit includes a growth in participation for all of these programmes as Cambridge United strive to provide further opportunities for boys and girls of all ages and abilities.

The 31-year old played a major role in Cambridge United’s promotion to the Football League also captaining the team to an FA Trophy win, and his leadership qualities will now see him take charge of a dedicated team of youth development coaches at 15 community hubs across the region.

Delighted to have been offered a new role at the club, Miller admits to already looking forward to his first task in hand ahead of the upcoming October Half-term Soccer Schools.

He commented: “I am very excited at taking up this new challenge and once I had spoken to both Jez [George, Chief Executive] and James Cutting, [Youth Development and Community Manager] about the opportunity of becoming part of a growing and successful community programme, it was an easy decision to make. 

“Being a parent myself I know the importance of having the opportunity for children to attend well-run, quality and fun guaranteed sessions. It is vitally important to give young children these opportunities regardless of their age, gender, or ability levels. 

“Our upcoming October half-term holiday programme will offer well over 1000 participants across 15 venues the chance to receive first-class coaching, whilst most importantly making it fun and enjoyable. I look forward to attending the soccer school venues to oversee the soccer schools programme for the first time. 

“I look forward to bringing new and fresh ideas to ensure the Community Football Programme can grow and develop whilst maintaining its high standards. I have been very fortunate to have played professional football for a number of years and I want to inspire the next generation of children to share a passion for the game.”

Meanwhile commenting on the appointment, Cambridge United Chief Executive Jez George added: “This appointment typifies the culture that is engrained in Cambridge United Football Club. We pride ourselves on developing our own staff as well as players and Ian epitomizes the philosophy that defines our club.

“Ian contributed so much on and off the pitch in our return to the Football League and we are certain that he will have just as big an impact in his new role. We really look forward to him joining James Cutting’s team of talented and committed staff.”

For more information about the Cambridge United Community Football Programme, visit www.cusoccerschools.co.uk.