'Birthplace of modern football' logo launched

A new logo has been unveiled to celebrate Cambridge as the "birthplace of modern football".

It marks the partnership between the university, Cambridge United and the city council to promote Cambridge's historic role in the game, and "look ahead to a future of greater community engagement, inclusion and participation in sport across the city".

In 1848, a group of university students wrote down a set of 11 rules for the game known as the "Cambridge Rules" - elements of which were later adopted by the Football Association.

The logo marking that historic event was created by Chris Payne, who also made the U's new crest last year, and it may feature on future merchandising, the club said.

"The initiative aims to help raise awareness of, and pride in, Cambridge's role in shaping the modern game and support future activity celebrating this shared heritage," a spokesperson said.

A sculpture celebrating the Cambridge Rules was placed on Parker's Piece in 2018, marking the spot where the rules were made and nailed to the surrounding trees.

In 1863, the Football Association adopted many of these rules - along with other rules created in Sheffield - which helped to shape the modern game.

To boost sport and community engagement across Cambridge, the university and Cambridge United first established a partnership three years ago.

In March last year, formal ties between Cambridge University Association Football Club (CUAFC) and the U's were made, which led to Cambridge United's women training and playing at CUAFC's Grange Road ground.

The partnership and new logo were celebrated at an event earlier this month, which saw a match between the university's women and Cambridge United, followed by a dinner at Selwyn College.

Commenting on the ties, the Labour MP for Cambridge, Daniel Zeichner, said: "Cambridge is the city of discovery and one of its best is the DNA of the greatest game in the world.

"We have collectively not done enough to celebrate and mark this extraordinary legacy and I am very pleased that there is a renewed determination to address this, starting this month with a new brand identity and a fantastic celebration.

"Together with United's promotion last week, it has made it a memorable week for football in the city."

Godric Smith, director of Cambridge United, added: "We are very pleased that the club, university and city have all come together to look at how we can do more to mark Cambridge's place in history as the birthplace of modern football."

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