Although last season had more ups and downs than one can imagine on the pitch, the work that has taken place off the pitch at the Study Centre (Cambridge United - 'United in Learning') has been very exciting and encouraging (writes Jez Daniel).

When I think back over the time since I started at Cambridge United (April 2006), the club itself has had a change of Secretary, two changes of Chairman, and also two different managers and coaches! Welcome to the world of football!

Cambridge United Learning Centre - 'United in Learning' - aims to aid students' literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. It also aims to improve a student's self confidence, self esteem and promote independent learning.

The Centre has now formed excellent links with a number of local Schools and created an atmosphere where learning is fun, and the motivation to achieve and progress is readily evident.

We have received some very positive comments throughout the year not just from students, but also from parents, teachers, sponsors and the links we have at the Local Authority (LA) and the Department for Education and Skills (DFES), and also the club itself.

The work that both Stuart Jacobs (Senior mentor) and myself has been aided by a minibus driver and the support of sixth form mentors who have helped out with sessions on a voluntary basis.

Although the season is over, work at the centre progresses and we look forward to the following academic year. We hope that next year we are able to see the following:

• An official opening of the centre
• A daytime programme and different groups accessing the facilities and teaching on offer
• Saturday sessions for parents and their children
• Greater links with Football in the Community to develop school-based 'Playing for Success' days
• Develop the club's role surrounding 'Kick Racism out of Football' week and anti-bullying week
• Preparation to take the centre through to the nationally recognised qualification ''Quality in Study Support'' at emerged level

The following schools have all taken part in the Playing for Success programme this year:

September- October: St Neots Community College, Coleridge School, Netherhall and Abbey Meadows
October- December: Ridgefield, Shirley, Cherry Hinton Primary School and Castle School
January- February: St Bede's, Castle School, Manor
February- March: Morley, Coleridge, City of Ely, Kings Hedges
April- May: Queen Edith's, Abbey Meadows, St Mary's Primary (St Neots), Castle Special School

Many schools have also expressed an interest in being involved next year, and all the schools that have attended this year would like to come back. This shows that the scheme is having the desired effect, and that the schools value the impact it is having upon a student's academic, educational and social development.

The following schools will also be working with us during this academic year: Impington Villlage College and Winhills Primary School (St Neots).

If you work in a school or know of someone who teaches in a school, then you may well be keen to take up the opportunity to attend the study centre next academic year. Attending the centre compliments the work done in schools and also has a significant impact on pupils attitudes and approach towards learning.

For information or to contact the centre please call on 01223 240191 or jez.daniel.pfs@cambridge-united.co.uk.

Finally thank you for welcoming the scheme to the club and I hope to see you all next season.

Jez Daniel

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