UFB: Manager makes surprise appearance at business event

United for Business are in the Zone!

Members of the CUFC United for Business club held their latest business breakfast get together at Carlisle Youth Zone on Friday morning, with newly appointed first team manager Steven Pressley their very special and unexpected guest of honour.  

It was the second visit made to the Youth Zone by the club last week, with the full squad having attended the junior session on Monday for an evening of football fun, games and activities. 

The event was hosted by Lynsey Buckle, the Carlisle Youth Zone development manager, who spoke with passion and insight about the work done at the Zone. 

Speaking after the meeting, she said: “We were delighted to welcome members of United for Business along to hold their meeting and to see our fantastic facilities. 

“We are working closely with everyone at Carlisle United as we look to improve the lives of young people in Carlisle and we thank them for their ongoing support and involvement.” 

Joining manager Steven Pressley from the club were director of external affairs John Nixon, director of football David Holdsworth and chief executive Nigel Clibbens. 

Making his debut at one of the club’s business events, the first team manager commented: “It’s clear to see the work done here at the Youth Zone is fantastic. The facilities are brilliant and you can see the enthusiasm of everyone who works here.  

“I’m really pleased that I’ve been able to come along and see it. I think being a real part of the community is crucial for the club and I will do all I can to make sure we support as many community initiatives as possible.” 

United for Business club members were given the opportunity to put questions to the manager, and he was able to discuss why he wanted the job, what he wants to achieve and the potential he feels is at the club before he departed to continue with preparations for the Saturday home game against Cheltenham. 

He added: “I believe that having the support of businesses in the city, and the club having good relations with business partners is really important, and I’m looking forward to helping to improve those links in whatever way I can. 

It’s worth noting that he added [with a smile]: “That wasn’t always possible at my previous clubs.” 

On the departure of the manager the group’s members discussed recent events at Carlisle United with Nigel and John, and looked at plans for next year’s United for Business club. 

“The United for Business club is really important to us,” Nigel said. “We’re open for business and are very grateful for the support we get from all businesses, big and small, across the city.

“We encourage businesses to join us and to find out about the good work the group does. The meetings are a great opportunity to bring football and the business world together, and we were really pleased that Steven came along to show his support.” 

The next United for Business event is at the Exeter City home game [Saturday 9 Feb] followed by a group away trip to Tranmere.  

For details about future events, and for more information on United for Business, click HERE.

Carlisle United Football Club would like to thank Carlisle Youth Zone for hosting the event and Andrew Dunning, of Liberty Work and Leisurewear, for helping to facilitate the meeting. 

Thank you also to the following businesses, who attended our Friday meeting:

Click HERE to find out more about the Carlisle Youth Zone.