DAWN SANDERS
Avery warm welcome to all our supporters, to the Chatham Town team, and to their fans who have made the journey to join us for today’s match.
As today marks our final FA Women’s National League fixture of the season, it’s a fitting moment to offer some heartfelt thanks.
Firstly, to the players - from both Chatham Town and Cambridge United. Today’s game is a ‘Her Game Too’ fixture, promoting gender inclusivity in sport. The incredible impact football has on women and girls, providing a space where they can bring their whole selves and shine, is testament to the passion and dedication of these players. They are true role models to us all.
We know that our players do it for the love of the game - balancing jobs, studies, family commitments, and long travel days – all to proudly wear the Cambridge United shirt. We couldn’t be prouder of them so thank you for your passion and commitment to the club.
A special thank you must also go to the team behind the team - those who give so much of their time and energy to support us. Thank you to Darren, Liz, Ben, our support staff, and all our volunteers. Your commitment is the lifeblood of this club.
We also wish to extend our gratitude to Jenny Horsfield, the first-ever Chair of the Women’s Board. Jenny has been a guiding force, bridging the men’s and women’s boards, and her leadership will leave a lasting legacy as she steps down at the end of this season. Thank you, Jenny, for everything.
At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome Gisela Otten to the board. With over 100 Club appearances, her experience and leadership on and off the pitch will be invaluable as we move forward. A sincere thank you to our sponsors, Fora and Genie
Ventures, for your continued support of the Women’s team. Your backing makes things possible to achieve our aspirations. We’re also deeply grateful to our Club Partners, Belle Maison Solutions and Scotsdales, for being an essential part of our journey. If you are interesting in becoming a partner next season, please contact the Club.
It’s truly inspiring to see how far women’s sport and women’s football has come. We know there are more exciting things ahead that I am really looking forward to seeing how the women’s section of the Club grows in the seasons ahead.
Thank you for being here today. Thank you for bringing your families and friends. We are building a community where everyone belongs - and your support makes it all possible.
Next season, whether at the Cledara Abbey Stadium or in St Neots, please stay connected and come and watch as we hugely value your support. Keep cheering and know that we will keep pushing forward - together for the best of the Club and women’s sport.
Enjoy today’s game!
Best wishes,
Dawn Sanders
DARREN MARJORAM
Firstly, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the players, staff and supporters from Chatham Town. All season long they have been right at the top end of the table and challenging to gain promotion back to tier three, and they will pose a tough challenge for us in our final game of the season.
Our season hasn’t gone to plan for large parts, but there are plenty of examples of what we are capable of when at something like our best. We are one of only two teams to beat Real Bedford this season, with the 3-1 win in the FA Cup being a real highlight of the campaign. We also held them to a goalless draw in the away league fixture, and we also beat Norwich City in the league just before Christmas. Even away at Chatham, we narrowly lost with a 1-0 scoreline that could easily have seen us take points from a tough away game. Bedford, Norwich and Chatham Town are the top three sides in our division for a reason, and we’ve shown that we can match all of them. Today we will again need to be at our best to take points, but it is a challenge we are all looking forward to.
Today’s game is a Her Game Too fixture, and it’s an honour to be part of Emma Smith’s team here at Cambridge United. We also have Women’s team player advocates in Lauren Webb and Alysha Stojko-Down, as well as Liam Bennett and Glenn McConnell from the Men’s team. We want as many people as possible to be aware of the campaign and its mission, and we are all indebted to Emma and the Her Game Too team for their tireless work in raising awareness.
One of the best things about games held at The Cledara Abbey Stadium is the opportunity to play in front of a larger group of supporters, and also
I hope you all enjoy the game, make lots of noise and be that 12th player in the stands that we will need. “
to hopefully inspire plenty of young players to want to be the next generation representing Cambridge United. We all know how lucky we are to have these opportunities, and we look forward to spending time after the game with those who have come to give us their support.
Today we will be missing one member of our team, as Lauren Webb will be running in the London Marathon to raise money for CPSL Mind. We’re all extremely proud of Webby, who is not only one of our longest serving players, but also one of the best people you could ever meet. We all wish her the very best of luck for her run.
Lastly, I’d like to thank everyone who has supported us this season. We are always so grateful to all our sponsors for their generous backing, the supporters who have travelled near and far to give us their encouragement in all weathers, and everyone at the Club who gives us opportunities like today.
I hope you all enjoy the game, make lots of noise and be that 12th player in the stands that we will need.
Today, our women’s team end their season with a big game at the Cledara Abbey. It’s always a treat seeing them play here, and it’s particularly special today as we celebrate our partnership with Her Game Too.
Her Game Too is a voluntary organisation run by female football fans to raise awareness of abuse and discrimination that females face in the sport. Working with clubs and other organisations, we aim to end sexism in football, making it a safer space for girls and women. Since the formation in May 2021, our aims and objectives have expanded: we champion women and girls in their roles and achievements in football, supporting their involvement on and off the pitch, and in the stands. Our Club partnered with HGT in October 2021 and were one of the first EFL clubs to do so. Her Game Too is now partnered with 80 of the 92 professional clubs across the EFL and Premier League, along with almost 300 grassroots clubs, and many organisations around the country, including EA Sports and Kick it Out.
The annual Dedicated Fixture is our chance to celebrate the fantastic women we have at our Club, including the players here today and their “backroom” team too.
As the club’s Ambassador, I’m our supporters’ main point of contact. I’m fortunate to have a great team of Advocates with me. Anouska Wright has supported the U’s for the same numbers of years as me – 35! – and joined me as Advocate in March 2022. Darren Marjoram became the campaign’s first Manager Advocate in February 2024, quickly followed by two of his players, Lauren Webb and Alysha Stojko-Down as Player Advocates. The most recent additions to my team are Liam Bennett and Glenn McConnell who recently became Player Advocates for our men’s team.
You may know that the men’s season also features an annual HGT Dedicated Fixture. This season’s game against Stockport County was the fourth such fixture, and if you were there you may see some familiar features today: Marvin will be around the Kid Zone sporting his HGT t-shirt. You can get a photo with him and our special HGT selfie board before the match. And make sure you spot the players wearing their HGT warm-up t-shirts and the flags waving as the teams enter the pitch.
Let’s cheer them onto 3 points today. They deserve it.
Come on you U’s!!
Emma Smith
Co-founder of Amber Belles Supporters’ Group Her Game Too Ambassador for CUFC theamberbelles@cambridgeunited.com @theamberbelles (X and BlueSky)
“
The annual dedicated fixture is our chance to celebrate the fantastic women we have at our club.
‘MY LAST LEAGUE GAME’
GISELA OTTEN REFLECTING ON HER TIME WITH THE U’S
My final league game for Cambridge United, after more than five years at this club and honestly, I’m not entirely sure how I feel yet.
I still remember my very first training session at the club like it was yesterday. I don’t think anyone from the current squad was there, just Liz Pamplin, still playing back then, maybe Rouse, and Ben as the coach. I can still feel the buzz of it: running, passing, tackling, scoring… just playing football and loving every second of it. Playing football makes me feel alive. That’s what football is for me, pure joy, purpose, and something deep in my bones. It’s hard to explain to someone who’s never felt it, but if you know, you know. When a ball rolls your way, you just have to chase it, to kick it.
I’ve loved my years at Cambridge United. There have been highs and lows, just like in every part of life. But football teaches you how to face them allhow to put the team before yourself, how to serve, to lead, to persevere, to control your emotions. There have been moments of pure euphoria, and moments of heartbreak. But what stays with you is the friendships, the memories and personal growth. I thank God for the good gift that football is. He has been my strength and joy.
One of my favourite memories will always be captaining the team to win the County Cup in 2023 against our rivals - Cambridge City, at the Abbey. Lifting that trophy... what a privilege!
Playing football makes me feel alive. That’s what football is for me, pure joy, purpose, and something deep in my bones.
I’ve seen the club grow so much over the years, and I’m proud to have played a part in that journey. And while this chapter is ending, I’m excited to keep contributing in new ways. I dream of women and girls across Cambridge, getting the chances to play, to grow, to enjoy this game as much as I have.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
LAUREN ROUSE
AAdmire - Which player did you idolise growing up?
Thierry Henry
BBucket List - What’s one thing on your bucket list you’ve yet to do? Tour America in an RV
CCereal - Which is your favourite? Kelloggs Mega Pops
DDisruptive - Who is the naughtiest teammate in the squad? Sammy Edgar
EEuphoria - Best moment in your career? Playing in the FA Women’s National Plate Final with the team
FFamous - Biggest celebrity you’ve ever met Princess Anne (although I did meet Chico once!)
GGroovy - What song will get you on the dancefloor?
Voulez Vous - ABBA
HHoliday - What is your favourite destination? Greece
IInspiration - What/Who inspires you the most? My family and boyfriend
J
Joker - Who is the funniest player in the squad? Ella Marden
KKit - Which is your favourite kit this season? The third kit (Green and Gold)
LLunch - If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
My late dad
MMovie - Which film can you watch over and over? Anything... I’ll be asleep within 15 minutes
N
Nostalgic - What childhood memory makes you smile? Many family days out
OOpposition - Toughest opponent you’ve faced? AFC Wimbledon last season
PPassion - What are you most passionate about outside of football?
Illustration & Graphic Design
Q
QQuirky - What’s a quirky habit you have? Starting a TV series only to realise on episode 3 that I’ve already watched it
R
Relax - How do you unwind after a tough day? Dinner, comfy clothes, and a drama series
S
Superstition - Do you have any pre-game rituals? Not really, but I usually get a McDonald’s coffee
T
Talent - Do you have a hidden talent no one knows about? No, I’m very vocal about my talents
UUltimate - What’s your ultimate three course dinner? Calamari or Arancini, Neapolitan pizza, and Cookie dough or brownie
V
Vintage - Do you have a retro or vintage item of clothing that you love?
Signed Thierry Henry Arsenal
Highbury shirt from 2005–2006
W
Wrestle - Which teammate would you not want to face in a wrestling match? AJ (Abbie Jackson)
X
Xmas - What’s your most memorable or unusual Christmas present you’ve ever received? My dad used to give me either a copy of his own book or raffle prizes he won (all kinds of tat)
Y
Youth - What advice would you give to your younger self? You can achieve anything if you’re motivated and work hard
Z
Zoo - If you could have any animal from the zoo as a pet, which would it be? Lion
LAST TIME OUT
The U’s made the trip down South to the town of Chatham back in November last year, but came home empty handed as the hosts claimed a narrow 1-0 victory or Marjoram’s side. The first half of the fixture proved to be an even contest with neither side claiming their stake in the scoring. The Chats were the ones to break the deadlock mid-way through the second half, with Otesha Charles the one to secure the three points for her side. The game remained a battle until the final whistle, but the U’s were unable to find a way through and claw back a share of the points.
CHATHAM TOWN
ONES TO WATCH
OTESHA CHARLES
FORWARD
19 Apps this season 12 Goals (Tied-1st for Chatham)
AMELIA WOODGATE
FORWARD
19 Apps this season 12 Goals (Tied-1st for Chatham)
GRACE COOMBS
DEFENDER
25 Apps this season
Captain 2 Goals
FA Women’s National League - Division One South East
RECENT FORM
CAMBRIDGESHIRE COUNTY CUP
The U’s Women returned to the Cambridgeshire Invitational Cup this season, having taken a one-year hiatus last season, where they instead faced Cambridge City in the Addenbrooke’s Charity Cup Match – ultimately suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss. Back in the County Cup for the 2024/25 season, the U’s are looking to make amends and take home the trophy, as they are scheduled to face Histon Ladies FC on Wednesday 30 April…
JOURNEY SO FAR…
This year’s campaign began on 19 January, with the U’s travelling out to the nearby village of Chatteris where they lined up against The Lilies for their firstround matchup. Leveraging a lineup comprised of both first-team experience and the youthfulness of Cambridge United Under-18s, the U’s rose to a 10-0 victory over The Lilies, with Sarah Wiltshire leading the charge, netting four on the day.
The subsequent Quarter Final came a month later on the 16 February, where Cambridge hosted last year’s champions - Whittlesey Athletic, at the Premier Plus Stadium in St Neots. In a much tighter contested game, the U’s still found themselves advancing through the competition, after Charlotte Gillies and Becca Stephenson netted one-a-piece to secure a 2-0 victory over the visitors.
Back on the road for the Semi-Final, the U’s faced Newmarket Town FC at Cricket Field Road. Putting on a stronger showing than in the Quarter-Final, the U’s triumphed once again, after Gillies, Stephenson,
The U’s are looking to make amends and take home the trophy. “
and Reinhardt contributing to a 3-0 victory, and firing Cambridge into the County Cup Final.
CUP FINAL PREVIEW
Set for action on Wednesday 30th April, Cambridge United are up against Histon Ladies FC, playing in Sawston at the newly built FWD-IP Community Stadium – home of Cambridge City FC. Marjoram looks to replicate their 2023 success, where they won the tournament via a 3-1 victory over Cambridge City on the big stage at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
Looking to next Wednesday’s opponent, Histon Ladies FC have navigated their way to the final after claiming wins against March Town Ladies (14-0), Fulbourn Bluebirds (5-0), and Cambridge City (4-1).
The Stutes have capitalised on the goal-scoring abilities of Poppy Smith (6), Evie Nicholls (6), and Sophie Hopkin (5), who all mark themselves as ‘ones to watch’ in Wednesday’s Final.
Come and support the U’s in the final, as they seek to lift the trophy on Wednesday 30 April, kick-off at 7:30 PM. Tickets available on the gate - £5 Over-16’s, free for Under-16’s.
UNDER 18s CUWFC
BY SEAN GREYGOOSE – UNDER 18s MANAGER
The Under-18s are only in their second season as a group, having been formed in the 2023/2024 season. In the first two seasons the girls have finished respectably in 2nd and 3rd place, whilst playing against the likes of West Ham, Leyton Orient, Derby, Nottingham Forest.
We have been really fortunate that we have a brilliant pathway within our girls and women’s section from Under-8s to Under-16s development centres, Elite centres and Emerging talent centre where we have seen a number of players progress from, and into our current Under-18s side and even the Women’s first team.
We also enjoyed a small cup run this season, which was unfortunately cut short after losing on penalties to West Ham, along with the 3rd place finish in the league.
The girls as always have been a pleasure to work with and it has been really pleasing to see them progress as players, but more importantly as young adults, as the season has gone on.
A key part of the development of our Under-18s is to help support the girls with the next steps of both their footballing journey and also their next steps into adult life. We have seen the product of this, with a number of players going on loan to other clubs and making an impact in women’s football. We also currently have a large number of girls who have progressed into being involved with the first team – thirteen of the girls have played women’s football this season alone. We’ve had a number
of players have offers to play football in the USA alongside studying at university, or start to look at different domestic opportunities to combine studies and football.
Alongside all of this, some of the Under-18s have started coaching within the pathway - passing on valuable experience and helping to support the development of the next group of Cambridge United players.
We are currently holding trials for the Under-18s squad ahead of the 2025/2026 season, advertised via the club website if you are interested in registering.
I would like to finally say a massive thank you to the club, staff, players and parents for the continued support through the season – I look forward to seeing how they progress again next season.
RESULTS, FIXTURES & TABLE
CELEBRATING TWO CUWFC LEGENDS
CARRIE BENNETT EMMA BANKS (NEE. JENKINS)
Carrie graduated into Women’s first team from the club’s centre of excellence as a 16-year-old and became the clubs regular left full back amassing just shy of 200 appearances in her 12 seasons at the club. An uncompromising full back with bags of energy and a full-blooded challenge she formed part of a solid back four with fellow club legends in KAB & Jenks that fought hard for the club through the years as they formed the foundations of what we see as the club today.
‘Jenks’ also a graduate of the club’s centre of excellence as a 16-year-old became the clubs regular right full back during the same era and built up just over 200 appearances in her 11 seasons at the club. A solid and energetic full back who loved to fly forwards and join in the attacks from her role in that same legendary back line. She is rightly recognised for her role in shaping what the club is today and part of so many club successes over the years.
We recognise both players for their significant contributions to the club and the growth of Women’s football at Cambridge United.
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
HEAD COACH: DARREN MARJORAM
BROOKE CHEAL-FERRIS
GISELA OTTEN
LAUREN ROUSE
ABBIE JACKSON
SARAH WILTSHIRE
EVA HUBBARD
ALYSHA STOJKO-DOWN
ELLA MARDEN
SAMMY EDGAR
SOPHIE SHULTS
ELLIE FINNERAN
ROSY WODHAMS
SERENA COBB
KELSEY SMITH
BECCA STEPHESON
BELLA SIMMONS
CHATHAM TOWN
SIMONE ELIGON
MEGAN MASLAK
JASMINE AUGUST
CIARA HYNES
GRACE COOMBS
ELLIE PERKINS
OTESHA CHARLES
ELLIE JENKINS
JESS KING
DARCY WELLS
LOTTIE SHARP
GRACE LAVERICK
AMELIA WOODGATE
LACEY HERGEST
MILLIE RAYNER
LUCY JONES
TYRA POOLE
LIBBY HOLMES
MADDISON WOODGATE
