The role of CFU is encapsulated in its aims and objectives which address the past, present and future of Cambridge United FC.
The current aims and objectives of CFU are to:
- remain independent of the football club and to be accountable to CFU members
- challenge and hold the Club to account, to ensure that the long-term future of Cambridge United is protected, for the benefit of its supporters and the local community
- actively support the Club and its Community Trust, help market the Club and to increase its fanbase and income
- promote a positive public image of Cambridge United FC
- help promote diversity and inclusivity within the Club
- help ensure that the Club acts as a good neighbour within the local and wider community
- grow the CFU membership
- promote and support other Cambridge United supporters’ groups and, where appropriate, other club’s supporters’ trusts
- act as an advocate for the welfare of Cambridge United fans
CFU will do these things by:
- developing and participating in a Shadow Board of elected members from CFU and other supporters groups
- developing a close, but strictly independent, relationship with Cambridge United FC and its majority shareholder
- acting as a “critical friend” of the Club
- continuing to lobby for CFU to hold a “Golden Share” that would allow it to veto a change of ownership
- consulting with, and representing, its membership
- taking on specific tasks as requested by the Club or the Community Trust, and/or by suggesting initiatives to promote the Club
- running, or supporting, community projects
- using its shareholding in the Club to support CFU aims and objectives
- increasing the visibility of CFU, especially at home games
- holding an annual AGM, open to all fans (not just CFU members, although only CFU members can vote)
- raising and holding funds to help the Club in times of critical need
- undertake due diligence checks on behalf of its membership and shareholding on any potential new owners of the Football Club, and enter discussions with parties involved
- communicating its activities regularly to its membership and the wider fanbase
- signposting sources of support on a range of health, mental health and educational issues that can aid the welfare and wellbeing of United fans.
CFU does not get involved in issues relating to the performance of the first team, unless this was to clearly threaten or undermine any of the CFU objectives (above). This is in line with the role of other supporters’ trusts around the UK.
