Cambridge United kick off with ARU support
Cambridge United and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have unveiled a sponsorship partnership.
As one of the club’s principal partners, ARU will work closely with Cambridge United and the Cambridge United Foundation to both improve health and wellbeing, and raise aspirations.
In addition, the agreement will also see ARU feature on all of the men’s first team training wear for the next two seasons.
Cambridge United CEO Alex Tunbridge said: “We are excited to be partnering with ARU to offer a wider variety of opportunities not only to their existing staff, students and alumni, but to our players, staff, supporters and wider members of the community.
“As a club which is embedded within a city associated globally for education, this presents a further opportunity to play an active part in the education community.
“There is a strong natural synergy between the two organisations, with ARU having a very strong sports and education offering which we intend to support.
“We look forward to working with ARU and forging a long-term partnership which will help engage United kick off with ARU support and inspire our city.”
Professor Roderick Watkins, vice chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, added: “ARU has always supported the Cambridge community and local organisations, and we’re excited to now formalise our relationship with Cambridge United.
“Promoting health and wellbeing – through education, research and practical activities – is one of ARU’s core aims, along with raising aspirations and providing life changing opportunities for the communities we serve.
“Working closely with Cambridge United aligns perfectly with our priorities, and we look forward to working more closely together in the future.”
Cambridge United already has strong links with schools, young people, and parents, particularly in the Abbey area of Cambridge, and the partnership will see ARU’s schools and colleges team work with the club to highlight education opportunities and career paths.
ARU also has a strong focus on health and wellbeing – it is currently ranked fifth in the UK and 66th in the world for its work in this area – and academics and students will team up with Cambridge United to help promote healthy lifestyles.
The partnership will also see a number of initiatives aimed at ARU students and alumni, one of whom is Cristina Vila Vives, the founder and CEO of Abbey Stadium sponsor, Cledara.
The partners will develop opportunities for students and alumni to boost their skills and experience, whether through volunteering with the Cambridge United Foundation or through work placements at the club, for example for those on ARU’s sports science, physiotherapy and media degree courses.
In addition to being the Times Higher Education University of the Year, ARU is also the current Social Mobility University of the Year. United kick off their new season tomorrow (Saturday, 10 August) away to Stockport.
