The match against Mansfield may have hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, but behind the scenes the Football in the Community Scheme was a hive of activity, with over 100 children taking part in Birthday Parties, Match Day Visits and the Half Time Challenge.

FITC Officer Stuart Jacobs (pictured) explains, "A huge success that day was the visit from the Royston Rotary Group. A group of 50 children aged between 8 and 17 descended on the Abbey at 10.30am to take their tour of the ground. The excitement of the children was obvious from the first moment with photos of staff requested (at this point I think they thought we were players!).

"However the reasons behind their excitement soon became apparent, many had never watched a game let alone have a look behind the scenes and receive a coaching session! When the tour embarked on the South Stand the enthusiasm threatened to spill on the pitch with all of the children partaking in singing and chanting, and we were still four hours away from kick off!"

With the tour finished the group moved over to the Abbey Sports centre for a coaching session.

"Coldhams Common truly looked fantastic with six groups of children all taking part in different activities," Jacobs said, "and with our fluorescent bibs we provided a colourful scene. With the final whistles blown the children's attention moved to lunch - well they had trained and sung hard! Although the choice of sandwich - cheese and pickle - was not enjoyed by all, the children were thoroughly appreciative of the food and drink provided by Graham Eales and his band of helpers."

Energy stores replenished, the children managed to raise their air of excitement several more notches as kick-off approached.

"We arrived back at the ground just in time for the lucky competition winners to form the players' guard of honour, an event they thoroughly enjoyed", Jacobs explained.

"Throughout the game all the groups involved with us that day, the Davies, Mills and Kelly Birthday Parties, the Icknield Primary School and in particular the Royston Rotary Group were in full voice supporting the boys. Unfortunately the result didn't go our way but on the way back to their coach the Rotary group were still in full voice and passionate about the game they had just witnessed."


Royston Rotary Club Group

Looking back at the day, although the match didn't go entirely to plan for the club, the off-field activities run by the Football in the Community Scheme could not have gone better.

"For me personally the day was a great success," Jacobs reflected, "and the spirit of my staff at the end of the day and their feedback was evidence enough that each group had a good day. The groups were a credit to themselves and a pleasure to be with.

"The spirit and behaviour of every single child was first class and they certainly kept us entertained for all the right reasons. Hopefully we will see them again soon at our forthcoming half term courses and we wish them all the best for the future."

Every group has since contacted the scheme to thank them for a great day.  The family spirit that the club and the scheme help provide families and football related groups when they visited the Abbey particularly impressed them.

For more information about the Football in the Community scheme, call them on 01223 416238 or email fitc@cambridge-united.co.uk