Carlisle United and University of Cumbria sign Memorandum of Understanding

In the boardroom at Carlisle United’s Brunton Park on Saturday, Professor Julie Mennell DL, Vice Chancellor of the university, and Nigel Clibbens, Chief Executive of Carlisle United, signed the document during the One Carlisle, One Community celebration taking place during the club’s EFL League One home fixture against Stevenage FC. 

The Memorandum of Understanding is the formal intent of the two organisations to explore and develop collaborations in areas such as: 

• Volunteering, project, placement and internship opportunities for the university’s students and football club staff. 
• Involvement of University of Cumbria students into Carlisle United projects and initiatives. 
• Training and development opportunities for Carlisle United staff at the university. 

Professor Julie Mennell said: “It has been wonderful to host such an occasion with Carlisle United that brings our community and people from all walks of life together.  

“Delivering upon our university mission to support our students and communities to thrive comes from the collaborations and partnerships we have with our partners such as Carlisle United, recognising that we’re stronger when we work together for everyone who chooses to live, work, visit and study here now and for generations to come.” 

Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens added: "Under the new ownership our vision is for the club to serve as a focal point within the community, fostering unity among its members. We are committed to nurturing pride and acknowledging the greatness of Carlisle as a fantastic place to be.  Working together with the university is a brilliant opportunity for us do that.” 

Above: Nigel Clibbens and Professor Julie Mennell signing the Memorandum of Understanding

University of Cumbria and Carlisle United are also going to explore more opportunities to deliver events that promote community wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and raise the profile of the region following the success of Saturday’s One Carlisle, One Community celebration. 

Several groups and charities across the city were invited to nominate individuals who make an impact upon the vibrancy, wellbeing and support of the local community. They all received prepaid tickets to Saturday’s match courtesy of donations from club sponsors and supporters. 

Those invited along included mental health support groups like Andy’s Man Club, Every Life Matters, Carlisle Eden Mind, Hilltop United FC, Anti Racist Cumbria, and Carlisle City of Sanctuary along with young people’s groups such as Sea, Air, Army and Police Cadets, Carlisle Youth Zone and The Rock.  

Organisations including Hospice at Home, Cumbria Police, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster, Inspira, Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice also had nominees in attendance.  

Saturday’s community celebration event was devised after senior figures at Carlisle United, including new owners Tom and Patty Piatak, visited the University of Cumbria Fusehill Street headquarters campus in Carlisle recently. They learned more about the university’s growth plans and focus on working with others to deliver higher-level skills for the region and beyond. 

Find out more about the university’s partnerships: https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/about/partnerships/ 

ENDS