Cambridge United and Anglia Ruskin extend link-up
ARU renews partnership as official education partner and pre-match kit sponsor
Louis Appéré in new ARU-sponsored pre-match kit
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has renewed its partnership with Cambridge United FC, with ARU continuing as the club’s official education partner and becoming pre-match kit Sponsor ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Following a successful first two years working together, the renewed partnership will build on a shared commitment to creating opportunities for students, supporting the local community and connecting education with the world of professional sport.
Since the partnership began, ARU students have benefitted from a range of internship opportunities across Cambridge United's first team, academy, women’s team and business operations, providing valuable experience within a professional football environment.
The collaboration has also seen students gain behind-the-scenes insight through matchday experiences, work placements and industry-focused learning opportunities.
The next phase of the partnership will introduce the ARU x Cambridge United Student Ambassadors programme, giving students the opportunity to represent both organisations while helping to strengthen engagement across ARU and the wider Cambridge community.
Supporters, students and members of the public can also look forward to an expanded programme of events throughout the year, with expert panels, guest speakers and discussions exploring topics including leadership, education, careers in sport and personal development.
These events will build on the success of previous collaborations between the club and ARU that have brought together industry professionals, academics and students to share knowledge and inspire future careers.
First team players Louis Appéré, Liam Bennett and Isaac Heath visited ARU’s Cambridge campus in East Road to celebrate the partnership renewal and model the new home, away, and third kit pre-match gear.
“Our relationship with ARU has quickly become about much more than sponsorship. Together we’ve created genuine opportunities for students to gain experience within professional football, while also opening the club up to new ideas, research and collaboration.
“As we move into the next stage of the partnership, we’re excited to introduce initiatives like our Student Ambassador programme and expand the number of events we’re delivering together. Cambridge is a city built on education, and we're proud to work alongside ARU to provide experiences that can make a real difference to students and the wider community.”
Neil Rowe, Head of Commercial at Cambridge United“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Cambridge United, a relationship that has gone from strength to strength over the past two years.
“Our partnership has already delivered impressive results around community engagement, education, student experience and research, and we are excited to build on this.
“ARU is actively carrying out research at the club supporting the drive to excellence on and off the pitch.
“As two organisations deeply rooted in the city, ARU and Cambridge United share a commitment to providing opportunities and lasting benefits for the wider Cambridge community, as well as for students and fans.”
James Johnstone, Deputy Dean (Recruitment and Partnerships) in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at ARUThe renewed partnership will also see ARU branding feature on the men’s First Team warm-up wear throughout the 2026/27 campaign, while continuing to support a range of educational initiatives delivered in collaboration with Cambridge United and Cambridge United Foundation.
For more information about studying at ARU, please visit aru.ac.uk