Foundation Participants recognised at special awards ceremony

The Cambridge United Foundation Participants’ Awards Ceremony took place ahead of the Cambridge United Women’s fixture against London Bees at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. The event celebrates individuals and groups involved in the Foundation’s community programmes, recognising their achievements, progress, and positive contributions.

Below is a list of all our award winners and why they were recognised by the Foundation.

Millie - Unbreakable Spirit Award

Isobel - Strength in Adversity Award

Both Millie and Isabelle faced osteosarcoma diagnoses at eleven years of age and are both keen athletes. The way they both faced their diagnosis, treatment and futures has been inspirational. Millie, as you know, faced an amputation, whereas Isobel received limb-salvage surgery, where they replaced the bones in her leg with metal rods.

Both of the girls have an infectious positivity, quick humour and a never-say-die attitude. They are both exploring new sporting ventures, including amputee football for Millie and rowing for Isobel.

Kieran Wood, Youth Engagement Officer at Cambridge United Foundation said:

"Getting to know them and play a small part on their journey's has been a privilege. Including seeing Millie have the bravery to stand up at the United for Cambridge event to speak about her journey in front of 200+ people."

Kayden - Rising Star Award

Kayden is an employability participant who has come on leaps and bounds since our first workshop. He always applies himself in the correct manor, doing tasks to the best of his ability.  Whilst on the course, he has completed his playmaker course whilst writing a CV to use for future reference.

He has even taken further steps outside of the workshops, applying to do work experience with the foundation.

Jay - Outstanding Commitment Award

Jay has shown exceptional commitment to our Premier League Kicks programme over the last few years. He's there every week, even when its pouring with rain, arriving before anyone else, moving the goals so they are ready for everyone on arrival and generally has a really positive attitude at sessions, helping both staff and and other participants.

Karl - Outstanding Achievement Award

Karl joined Olive in year 9 as someone that had a short fuse, became aggressive and would have the other students push his buttons to get a reaction. Within the two years we have spent at Olive, his attendance and attitude to do work with us, rather than just mess about, sets an example to the rest of the school, and he has become a positive influence on peers now he is in year 11.

He is the first student to complete all qualifications we currently offer, and we are therefore having to look into other options for him. Alongside this, he is far better at regulating his emotions even when provoked.

Elaine - Community Leadership Award

Elaine has been attending the Strength and Balance class at Ditton Court since the session started at the end of 2024. She is a resident at the sheltered housing and is very well known amongst the group of participants. Every week Elaine sets the room up, helps seat everyone and makes sure the space is ready. She has taken on a leadership role within the group, and although she may not realise it, many others do look up to her and see her as someone who can help them.

Outside of the class she has attended other events the Foundation has hosted including, Christmas Lunch 2025 and helping to choose hamper recipients. She is also responsible for organising transport for other residents to attend Stadium held events.

Parability teams - Team of the Year Award

Cambridge United Foundation Black and Cambridge United Foundation Blue are our two disability teams that compete on Wednesdays in the Cambridgeshire FA Disability Leagues known as "Parability".

Over the past few years, the teams have battled hard through the tournaments and particularly this year have shown a real maturity in the way they play their football. We're really proud of the effort put into every tournament and their desire to do the best for the team. We have seen individuals' ability improve over the last few seasons and the team is much more focused and united.