Football fever at Cambridge University will help African girls reach their goals

Cambridge United donated 1200 tickets to the University as a gift to celebrate its 800th anniversary. They were snapped up by staff in less than two weeks, with demand outstripping the amount of tickets available.

The match, broadcast live on Setanta Sports, will also feature a member of the University’s football team, James Rutt, taking part in Setanta’s half-time ‘blue chip challenge’ in front of the TV cameras.

But it is not just Cambridge University that is set to benefit from Thursday’s match. Camfed, the University’s official 800th charity, will also see their work in Africa to educate girls boosted.

The university decided to sell its allocation of tickets to staff for £3, with all profits after tax going to support Camfed’s vital work.

Camfed is dedicated to fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS in rural Africa by educating girls and investing in their economic independence and leadership once they complete school.

Ann Cotton, founder and Executive Director of Camfed, said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the fantastic support from University staff and students for the football match. Thanks to the money raised, Camfed will be able to support more than 200 girls through primary school for one year – helping to unlock their potential so they can go on to achieve their goals.”

Geoff Morris, Head of 800th Anniversary Year at Cambridge University, said: “
Not many people know that the rules of the game were devised here in Cambridge so this is a fitting way to kick off our anniversary year. So the perfect night will be an 8-0 thumping of Oxford while raising much needed cash for the education of girls in Africa!”

Cambridge University staff and students will be situated in the 1400-capacity South Stand at the Trade Recruitment Stadium, with gates opening at 7pm for a 7.45pm kick-off.

Cambridge United's Chief Executive Norman Gautrey said "It will be fantastic to welcome another sea of new faces to Cambridge United, but the truly heart-warming aspect of this particular scheme is that the money raised will directly change the lives of hundreds of children for the better. You just can't put a value on that knowledge and this club is delighted to be supporting it."