CHAIR NOTES
Jenny Horsfield
Welcome to today’s game and a very warm welcome to our visitors and neighbours Cambridge City.
We are thrilled to be back at the Abbey Stadium! Thank you to today’s match sponsors, Cofinitive, in addition to all of our brilliant sponsors this season - Intelligent Membranes, Belle Maison, JB Data Engineering, Glebe Farm, Elglaze and Miao Yang.
As we approach the final third of the season, I reflect back on the progress we have made so far this season integrating the Women’s team into the Club, strengthening the squad, supporting the team to develop and grow and inspiring the next generation.
Since the Lionesses Euro’s success, there is significant interest in the Women’s game and it continues to grow. It’s great to see increased numbers of supporters at our games and more girls signing up to join a team than ever before. If it’s your first visit to the Abbey Stadium tonight - welcome and to those of you who attend our games regularly, thank you for your fantastic support.
At half time we will be recognising two special individuals who have made significant contributions to Cambridge United Women over the years.
Vicky Hoover has stepped down from the Women’s Board but has played a significant role as Club Chair and also a player over the years. Vicky has given great dedication and enormous personal effort to support the team and we would like to thank her for her support.
Kayleigh-Ann Burt has also contributed much to the Club over the years, playing for the U’s with distinction for more than 15 years. Kayleigh first played for Cambridge United in 2006 as part
of the Centre of Excellence U14s team and she went on to become Club Captain, winning 3 League Cups and 9 County Cups. We would like to thank Kayleigh for her immense contribution to the Club and wish her all the best for the future.
I hope that we will see you again at the next Abbey fixture, it would be amazing if we can beat our attendance record by the end of the season! We will also be celebrating International Women’s Day at the Men’s First Team fixture on 4th March against Portsmouth, along with our partner, Her Game Too.
Have a lovely evening and enjoy the game.
MANAGER’S NOTES Darren Marjoram
we showed lots of promise and indeed had the runaway leaders in a bit of trouble at half-time, with the score level at 1-1 as we went into the break.
A 10-minute spell after half-time saw them run away with the game, but there were plenty of positive signs and periods of the game which we now have to show consistently.
The squad has continued to develop throughout the season and now we have good competition in every position. The quality of players we have recruited has really added to the squad and I think all of us involved are excited about the future as we continue to build.
We have been very fortunate to have the full backing of the Club, and in forming the Women’s board who constantly look at how we can improve, we have a really strong foundation to continue to grow and progress in the years to come.
Welcome everyone to the Abbey Stadium for what we hope will be an exciting game and a good advert for Women’s football.
We’d like to extend the warm welcome to the players, staff and supporters of Cambridge City. These local derbies are always a good occasion and we hope this one will be no different, especially as it is under the lights at the Abbey! The Women’s team have had a reasonably quiet couple of weeks with no scheduled fixtures recently, however training has been very good and last Sunday we managed to arrange a friendly against Peterborough United Development.
It was an important exercise to ensure everyone had some game time under their belts and so I could try a few new things tactically. Hopefully we see the benefit of that in tonight’s game. In our last league game against Hashtag United,
Cambridge City will pose a stern test tonight, and as the saying goes ‘form goes out of the window’ in a derby game. Our job is to try to ensure the game is played and controlled in our way rather than allowing the occasion to become the primary factor.
What always makes a huge difference is the backing of supporters, so please make lots of noise and help the players thrive on that energy. We would love you to be part of the team and your support is the way you can help us to achieve our goals.
Finally, today we are honouring a true CUWFC legend as Kayleigh-Anne Burt retires after a remarkable career at the Club. Having gone through the set-up from a teenager and playing for the U’s right the way through until this year, she will rightly go down as one of the most important players in this Club’s history. Thank you, Kayleigh.
Have a great evening!
KAYLEIGH-ANNE BURT Hanging up the Boots
Only stalwart Liz Pamplin has made more appearances for Cambridge United Women than Kayleigh-Anne Burt throughout the Club’s history.
It’s been a career of memorable highs and testing lows but through it all, the once Club Captain has been an almost ever-present since 2009. Ahead of tonight’s Cambridgeshire Derby at the Abbey Stadium, she sat down with
Cambridge United Media for her final interview after retiring.
Having sold programmes outside the Abbey as a teen whilst the U’s men’s team were battling it out in England’s fifth tier, it would seem fitting that Kayleigh should sit down and share her memories with us as a centrepiece article in this evening’s Matchday Programme.
It all began with Kayleigh progressing through Cambridge United’s Centre of Excellence until the age of 16. Kayleigh captained the side in her final season with the CofE, where the U’s only tasted defeat once before experiencing tournament success in Holland, ahead of being handed her senior debut the first weekend after becoming eligible to play senior women’s football.
“As soon as I was eligible to play - literally the Sunday after I became 16 - I was straight into the first team making my debut in senior Women’s football. It was a bit daunting and nervewracking at the time, made even worse by the short back pass to Liz [Pamplin] in goal that led to us conceding, which she still remembers and laughs about now!”
Despite a debut hiccup, Kayleigh soon settled into the team and a long, successful career followed in Amber and Black. Amongst many career highlights was leading the team out at the Abbey – just like Gisella Otten will do tonight –was a stand-out moment.
“Wearing the captain’s armband for the U’s was always an honour – as well as representing the club at the Abbey Stadium, they were always my favourite games.
“Being a United fan, when the club took the Women’s team under its umbrella, that was obviously an insane moment, getting to walk out with the club badge on felt so much better.”
Whilst a new era of Women’s football at Cambridge United is now well underway, which has seen a shift towards greater professionalism within the Club, a continuity has remained, with much of he original soul of the Club remaining intact.
The now 30-year-old recalls arriving to games as a teen and having to fight for the most appealing shirt number once the senior heads in the squad had taken their favourite numbers from the kit bag on the floor.
“There was no board for the Club and we were all volunteers at the time. It was a case of fighting for whatever number you wanted once the kit bag had been dumped on the floor!”.
“The club as a whole now is so much more attractive; we are attracting players from leagues above who are happy to drop down to play for us.
“That’s what I love about this Club. That’s what this Club does – they look after the people that are loyal and have given a lot. I think that’s important, and I think it is something that helps attract players, because they know they will be made to feel welcome and appreciated.”
“Even little things like wearing sleeve badges and captain’s armbands, where we get fined if we don’t have them. It all has naturally seen the standards rise because the leagues are now demanding more professionalism.”
Despite the Club progressing on-and-off the pitch, it is important people remember the people who have been here from the start.
“When you’re at a certain stage [in your career] it’s really important to look back at the people who have allowed the Club to get into the position it is in now, and obviously it is great to have new people involved who are only going to take us to the next level, but it is important to look back at the likes of Liz [Pamplin] and many others who have been here since the start, and to appreciate them for keeping the Club going, which allows us to be where we are now.
“That’s what I love about this Club. That’s what this Club does – they look after the people that are loyal and have given a lot. I think that’s important, and I think it is something that helps attract players, because they know they will be made to feel welcome and appreciated. That only bodes well for the future.
“You don’t get that at everywhere and that is a testament to the board and everything about Cambridge United.”
Following the International successes of the GB Women’s team in the 2012 and 2020 Olympic games, and more recently the Lioness’ success on the European stage, the ever-growing popularity of Women’s football has seen a rapid incline in the physical demand for female players in the country.
“I think one of the main reasons I have been able to keep up with the ever-improving standards is because of the excellent coaching I received at the Centre of Excellence when I was younger. One of my coaches, who is now one of my best mates, Carrie Bennett is still playing for the U’s today.”
The enforced COVID breaks and increasing issues with injury made for a stop-start past couple of years on the football pitch for Kayleigh. Whilst this was a big factor in her decision to leave the game, the discovery of a new-found passion – the triathlon –ultimately swayed the defender into hanging up her boots for good.
“It’s been a really difficult decision to end my career, both physically and emotionally, but it’s the right decision and right time to give some
“It has been an incredible journey and one that I wouldn’t change for the world. I am really proud to have represented the Club for so long and it has been an absolute honour.”
time back to myself and my family now, having spent almost every weekend over the past 17 years playing football every weekend!
“Especially after COVID, certainly for myself as a player, it was difficult to get in that flow again of playing every week. Even last season was interrupted because of it, so this season has been the first full season of playing in almost four years.
“Throughout the two-year break from football, I needed a new focus which led to me discovering Triathlon and a new love for it! I now feel like I have got a real bit between my teeth to get really good at it, more so than I have to get back playing football.
“It’s obviously difficult because I love football and will always love it, but I have not so much got the love for playing it anymore. I also wouldn’t want to leave and wear another shirt, having worn the United shirt for so long now.”
Darren Marjoram’s side currently sit 8th in table, comfortably 12 points clear of relegation.
“We are doing alright at the minute. There has been a big squad overhaul, a new manager, and a lot of players are still finding their feet in a tough league, but we are doing well. I know that the Club is in good hands and I look forward to following the girls in the years ahead!”
Having made over 250 U’s appearances, spread over a 14-year senior career, Kayleigh wanted to offer some ‘Thank You’s’ to the people that helped her along the way.
“I just want to thank everyone! There has been so many people who have helped me since I got here. Kevin Hoover brought me to the Club and handed me my senior debut and his wife Vicky, who was on the board until recently, has also been brilliant to me.
“Liz Pamplin has also been such an influential character since my arrival. On a personal level, Graham Daniels has also been right by my side throughout. I also want to thank all of my former managers, coaches, and player sponsors, as well as my mum and dad, who ferried me around all over the place when I was younger!”
“It has been an incredible journey and one that I wouldn’t change for the world. I am really proud to have represented the Club for so long and it has been an absolute honour.”
Here’s to you, Kayleigh Anne-Burt.
A-Z FRANCESCA PARTRIDGE
AIRPORT - WHERE DID YOU LAST FLY TO?
Mallorca with my boyfriends family
BREAKFAST - WHAT DID YOU HAVE?
Pasta with tomato soup (lol) �� sounds awful but it is actually really nice
CHILDHOOD - WHAT IS ONE SPECIAL MEMORY?
Family holidays. My Dad use to hire speed boats and one year we ran out of petrol in the middle of the sea
DUGOUT - DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AS A FUTURE COACH / MANAGER?
No. I don’t think I could do it
EDUCATION - WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SCHOOL SUBJECT?
English. I actually wrote an essay once using Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ and I got an A* for it!
FEAR - WHAT SCARES YOU?
Spiders! If I see a spider, I’ll cry!
GOAL - WHAT IS THE BEST GOAL YOU HAVE SCORED?
I scored a winning goal in the 94th minute of the FA Cup Third Round to make history at my last Club
HOME - FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOUR GET IN AFTER TRAINING?
Shower and straight into bed because I get home late as I have to travel an hour for training
IDOL - WHO IS YOUR FOOTBALLING IDOL?
Sam Kerr or Ella Tone
JACKPOT - WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU DO IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY?
Go on holiday to the Maldives and think about what I was going to do with all that money
KINGSHIP - WHO IS YOUR BEST FOOTBALL FRIEND?
Gracie Williams! Legend!
LOCATION - WHERE DO YOU LIVE?
Small village called Hanslope
MUSIC - WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS?
Taylor Swift
NEIGHBOUR - WHO DO YOU SIT NEXT TO IN THE DRESSING ROOM?
Normally Sarah Wiltshire
OBSESSION - WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY OBSESSED WITH?
My nephew! He’s turning 2 in a few weeks and he’s the funniest little boy!
PRECISION - WHO IS THE BEST FINISHING IN THE SQUAD?
I scored a winning goal in the 94th minute of th
QUEAZY - WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL
SUPERNATURAL - WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERNAL POWER BE ?
Teleportation
TELEVISION - WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHOW?
Right now it has to be the Last of Us. I’ve cried at every episode
UNITED - BEST U’S MEMORY?
Not been there long so hopefully more to come but it has to be my goal against Norwich at the Abbey
WIZARDRY - MOST SKILFUL PLAYER YOU HAVE PLAYED WITH?
Syd!
XRAY - HAVE YOU BROKEN ANY BONES?
Broke my finger playing foot ball
YUMMY - WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD?
Seafood linguine with garlic bread but you have to have ketchup and mayo on the garlic bread!
ZZZZ - HOW MANY HOURS SLEEP DO
OPPOSITION
Cambridge City
Prior to 2002, Cambridge City were playing their football under the name of Cherry Hinton Crusaders, with just two teams under their umbrella.
Meanwhile, Cambridge City FC had a ladies team competing at a regional level, but had no girls teamsm so the two Club’s merged which allowed the Crusaders to play under the City name and badge.
In 2009, a decision was made that resulted in Cambridge City Ladies and Cambridge United Women merging to form Cambridge Women FC. In 2015, the two Club’s split ways once again and Cambridge City re-formed their ladies team.
From 2016, Cambridge City Ladies enjoyed much success, taking the local S-Tech Women’s Premiership by storm, going on to win two backto-back promotions before missing out on a hat-trick in 2017/18 by just one point. Their disappointment was short-lived however, and they secured promotion to the FA Women’s National league in 2018/19, when they emphatically finished top of the ERWFL Premier Division, dropping just two points enroute to the title. Cup success also followed that season, making for a truly historic campaign. Cambridge City have been competing in the FAWNL ever since but find themselves in a scrap for survival this season, with just three points to their name heading into tonight’s fixture.
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TABLE & FIXTURES
All U’s fans are encouraged to show their support for Cambridge United Women with tickets available for home games at both St Neots and The Abbey Stadium. Season Ticket Holders for the Men’s team can access home games for free upon showing their Season Ticket Card at the turnstiles.
TEAM SHEET
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
HEAD COACH: Darren Marjoram
CAMBRIDGE CITY
HEAD COACH: Poppy Martin
LAUREN WEBB (GK)
ABBI GRIFFIN
CARRIE BENNETT
GISELA OTTEN (C)
RACHEL KOSKY
SARAH WILTSHIRE
ALYSHA STOJKO-DOWN
RUTH FOX
HARLEY JEAN SIMPSON
ELLA MARDEN
SAMMY EDGAR
SYDNIE NAYLOR
LAUREN ROUSE
FRANCESCA PARTRIDGE
ABI DAVIES
TASH COLLINS
NIAMH DAY
LIBBY FRASER
ELSIE BARKER
SUNNY MCGREGOR
MAYZEE SEYMOUR
ABBIE JACKSON
BELLA SIMMONS
KAYLEN GERKEY
MATCH OFFICIALS
SARAH HUDSON
AMY REED
JESS FITZPATRICK
BRONWYN MULHERON
JENNY MOORE
ERIN DAVIS
FRANCES STEELE
HAILE RICHARDS
SARAH PAYNE
ALEXANDRA PRYKE
ROSE SPARROW
ALE DE
PAIGE GARDINER
ELLEN MARSON
REBECCA STEPHENSON
EMILY STRUTHERS
Referee - Ceredig Cattanach-Chell Assistants - Cameron Rayment, Jack Coupar
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