The 'United In Learning' Centre at the Abbey Stadium was officially opened on Thursday by Kevin Brennan M.P., Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.

The event was a great success with around 50 people in attendance, including local councillors, representatives from the FA, the Football Foundation, local teachers and headteachers, sponsors and various club officials.

The students of Cherry Hinton Primary school also played their part and interviewed United captain Danny Brown and two youth team players as part of a session held during the opening.

Thank you to everyone who attended and took part, plus the members of the Football in the Community team who helped out on the day.

Cambridge United - United in Learning (CUUL) has come into being through a partnership between the Department for Children, Schools and Families, Cambridge United Football Club, the Cambridgeshire Football Association and Cambridgeshire County Council.

CUUL forms part of a national network of 'Playing for Success' Centres, supported by central government and the Football Foundation, where sports clubs and local authorities collaborate to provide a high-quality out of school hours learning experience, with the additional "wow factor" of a large sporting venue. The centre provides after school sessions that develop students' Maths, English and ICT skills, and, most importantly, boost their self-confidence and self-esteem as a way to re-engage them in learning.

During our first year academic year (2006-2007) over 260 students accessed the centre from Secondary, Primary and Special schools across Cambridgeshire. It is anticipated that over 360 students will have access to the centre this academic year.

Jez Daniel, the centre's manager and teacher, commented, "More and more schools are hearing about the work of the centre and have praised the supportive learning environment. Many have said that what the students are learning and the development of self confidence is very evident back in school.

"Schools that haven't had places at the centre so far are now requesting slots for this and next academic year. The students attend the centre for six weeks after school and this is absolutely free; they are even transported to and from the centre at no additional cost.''

Students participate in a wide range of activities using football as an aid for learning. These activities include ground tours, interviewing of players, healthy eating, the media, and advertising. The learning centre is equipped with 16 networked computers that enable students to work in a supportive and inspiring environment. Students are supported by voluntary learning mentors from local sixth form colleges.

Cambridge United's Youth team scholars also make use of the facilities for taught sessions through the local regional college. The first team squad are also welcome visitors to the centre, and several players have actively taken part in the PFS sessions with the students from the local schools.

Most recently United in Learning completed some work around the national project 'Kick Racism out of Football'. A poster competition was held for local participating schools and resulted in a wide range of entries. This project allowed the schools to build on the discussions held on racism issues within the centre and to take this back into school. This allowed for all students not just those attending the centre but others at school to fully understand the issues surrounding a sometimes a sensitive subject.

The club donates match tickets to all the participants and many return game after game.

United's Chief Executive Norman Gautrey said, ''Cambridge United's Learning Centre forms an important aspect in forging links with the community. We as a club have been fully supportive of the centre and recognise that these students who attend are potentially fans of the future.''

In the New Year, United in Learning and the club's Football in the Community scheme hope to host some family learning days on matchdays that reinforce the skills that are being taught both within and outside of the centre.

Stuart Jacobs, head of Football in the Community and also a senior learning mentor at the centre, said, '"The working partnership between FITC and United in Learning ensures local schools and the club's general community are within easy reach of high quality sports coaching and education. This can be delivered in a fun environment that appeals to children and adults alike.''

[More Information: United In Learning]

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