Welcome to the website of Colchester United Supporters Association. We are an independent supporters association of Colchester United FC, a League 1 football team. If you want to know more about us then please use the buttons at the top of  the screen to find information about who we are, what we do and how to join. Just scroll down this page to find the latest news.

Useful links....For Away Travel Queries: away_travel@cusa.co.uk For General Information: out of service  For Membership Queries: membership@cusa.co.uk  For CUSA Football Team Queries: footie@cusa.co.uk For Questions / Comments / Content of Website webmaster@cusa.co.uk   Colchester United FC Official Website www.cu-fc.premiumtv.co.uk  You can find more links and information on the ABOUT US page. Prediction League downloadable form HERE

23rd July 2008

TAKE THE TRAIN TO WATCH THE U’s

Yet more good news for fans as CUSA and the Football Club negotiate a special deal with National Express that gives all supporters the chance to buy a special season ticket for rail travel to Colchester.  

Fares from 30 stations are shown below and represent a 25% discount on the price of 23 Cheap Day Return tickets and the ticket can be used to travel to and from all 23 League Games and all home Cup Ties.  National Express are setting the ticket up on their systems and hope to have it available by 9^th August 2008. To get your ticket ‘phone the National Express Customer Service Line on 0845 850 9020.

SEASON TICKET PRICE

To Colchester North station from             Adult Fare                     Child Fare

Alresford                                   £  69.00              £  34.50

Braintree                                   £129.40             £  64.70

Bures                                        £  91.40             £  45.70

Chappel & Wakes Colne             £ 70.70              £  35.35

Chelmsford                                £146.60             £  73.30

Clacton-on-Sea                          £113.90             £  56.95

Colchester Town                        £  43.10              £  21.55

Cressing                                   £117.30             £  58.65           

Dovercourt                                 £113.90             £  56.95

Frinton-on-Sea                           £105.20             £  52.60

Great Bentley                            £  79.40              £  39.70

Harwich International                  £113.90             £  56.95

Harwich Town                            £113.90             £  56.95

Hatfield Peverel                          £108.70             £  54.35

Hythe                                        £  50.00            £  25.00

Ipswich                                     £124.20             £  62.10

Kelvedon                                   £  89.70             £  44.85

Kirby Cross                               £105.20             £  52.60

London Liverpool Street              £324.30             £162.15

Manningtree                              £  69.00              £  34.50

Marks Tey                                 £  58.70              £  29.35

Mistley                                      £  93.20              £  46.60

Sudbury                                    £  96.60               £  48.30

Thorpe le Soken                         £105.20             £  52.60

Walton on the Naze                   £113.90             £  56.95

Weeley                                     £  84.50             £  42.25

White Notley                             £113.90             £  56.95

Witham                                     £105.20             £  52.60

Wivenhoe                                  £  53.50              £  26.75

Wrabness                                 £  89.70              £  44.85

SO WHY NOT TAKE THE TRAIN TO COLCHESTER NORTH STATION AND FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO BRUFF CLOSE, GIVE THE “BUS IN” STUB FROM YOUR MATCH TICKET TO THE DRIVER AND TAKE THE FREE SHUTTLE BUS TO THE STADIUM?    

16th July 2008

15th July 2008

Mad Cycle Ride

Let me tell you a little about my son. Firstly he is now officially madder than me. It all started last year when David and I cycled from Layer Road to Roots Hall as part of a group of Colchester United fans raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust, a nice easy 43 miles.

Then my little sister died. David and his cousin Joe decided to raise money for the Palliative care unit in Great Yarmouth in her memory, and undertook the monumental task of cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats, which they completed in 7.5 days. To put that into context, they were the 5th fastest group of that year. But that was too easy for David. He is now going to attempt it in 2.5 days. That entails cycling for 60 hours straight. No sleep and having to eat 19,000 calories (equivalent of 32 Big Macs!) a day. He will be supported by his fiancée Tam, who is a star for putting up with his demanding challenges, and mum and dad.

Now, a little about the charity: KINOE was founded in 1996. Since then it has raised over £700,000 to send to educational projects in India and Nepal. So far they have helped over 4,000 under privileged children gain an education. £3,454 may seem like an odd and slightly optimistic figure, but that covers all the costs to educate a class of 60 children for one year. For more information on the charity, please visit their website www.kinoe.org

In the grand scheme of things, a small donation is insignificant to people earning a decent salary every month, compared to the life changing education it would provide for children with nothing. When we say we’re broke, it usually means we can’t afford to hit the town, but imagine an entire region of uneducated children, with no way of pulling themselves up and out of poverty. David and Tam have spent a lot of time finding the right charity and establishing how they actually help people. I know everyone is asking for donations, but this is a very worthy cause. £58 will cover all costs, including uniforms, books, teachers etc for one child to attend school for a year. That is less than a night out in London and even less than a weeks worth of fags.

Please dig deep, every penny counts. This is a chance to help educate and shape the lives of children living in slums in India and Nepal. How often do you get that kind of chance?

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor him: Kids In Need Of Education gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

If you want to sponsor David go to www.justgiving.com/davepickleslejog08

Best wishes,

Steve Pickles

13th July 2008

A Model Stadium !

Handcrafted replica models of layer road from £75,i am a model maker and i specialize in handcrafted replica sports venues  past and present .my details including contact is on my website www.sportingvenuemodels.co.uk .i can make any size model depending on what you want to pay which start from 10" x 8",  12" x 10", 15" x 12" .i can make acrylic display cases which includes a personal message on a brass plate which for example first game,last game,memorable game or happy birthday,

the models are well packaged as great care and attention goes in to the process of looking after the models i make as i use the top quality packaging needed to protect the product i make .depending on detail it takes 3-4 days on average .the models are made from balsa wood plus other  top quality craft products needed to make the model authentic .any queries please contact me through my website or my email address paulssportingvenuemodels@yahoo.co.uk

27th June 2008

Another opportunity to be a part of history !

Craig Evans will be producing a film about leaving Layer Road for a Masters Degree. Filming will take place at Layer Road on July 1st. Craig will be there from 9am till evening time. Craig says " I will only need 30 minutes of the supporters time and if anyone would like further details, email me at craigevans_69@hotmail.com "

23rd June 2008

IT’S TRAVEL BY BUS - ALL THE WAY!

Colchester United, Colchester United Supporters’ Association and ‘First’ Bus Services have joined together in partnership to ease your journey to the new Weston Homes Community Stadium and to allow you to pick up your Free Shuttle Bus Service to and from the game.

• Whether you choose to walk or take the bus there, a FREE Shuttle Bus Service from Bruff Close will take you to and from the new stadium to watch all Colchester United matches in their new home.

• For a 3 o’clock kick-off the buses will run from 1pm to take you to the stadium where you can then relax and socialise, have a drink or bite to eat on the spacious concourses before the game and whilst waiting for your bus to return to Bruff Close after the game.  The last bus is scheduled to go back to Bruff Close leaving the stadium at 6pm.

• For a 7.45pm kick-off the shuttle buses will run from 6pm at Bruff Close, with the last bus back to Bruff Close leaving the stadium at 10.15pm.

• For games with a different kick-off time, or with the possibility of extra time, revised shuttle bus times will be published well before the relevant game(s).

• For those fans who have been used to meeting and socialising with their friends in the area of Layer Road a FREE bus service will pick up at 2pm at the Drury Arms in Layer Road, at 2.05pm at the “Fat Cat” in Butt Road and proceed to the stadium via Bruff Close.  After the game this service will only return to Bruff Close and passengers will need to use other bus services to their final destination.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO USE THE FREE SERVICE?

• Simply make your way to your nearest Bus Stop, take any FIRST Bus services within the Day Ticket & Borough Card Inner Zone to get to and from Bruff Close between 12.30pm and 6.30pm on match days, (between 6pm and 10.30pm for evening games).

• At Bruff Close pick up your FREE Shuttle Service.  Your match ticket will have attached to it a “Bus In” and “Bus Out” stub which you will hand to the driver for your inward and outward journeys to and from the Stadium.  Season Ticket holders will be provided with a book of “Bus In” and “Bus Out” stubs for use during the season.

HOW MUCH IS IT GOING TO COST ME TO GET TO BRUFF CLOSE FROM WITHIN COLCHESTER? 

By leaving the car at home you can get to Bruff Close and back for just £1-00.

• When you board the ‘FIRST bus service’, show your season/match ticket to the driver and simply hand over £1.00 which will entitle you to the Match day Rover.  If you do not have a season/match ticket you will not be able to buy a Matchday Rover so make sure you get your match ticket in advance of the game.

• Those passengers who used the FREE service from the Drury Arms or the Fat Cat will be returned to Bruff Close after the game and, on production of their season/match ticket, will be able to buy a £1 Matchday Rover on any FIRST service bus within the First Day Ticket & Borough Card Inner Zone before 6.30pm or 10.30pm after evening games. 

With the cost of petrol close to £5.00 per gallon and No on-street parking in a very wide area surrounding the stadium, how much easier can it get to see your team play?  So leave the car at home and take the Bus  -  all the way.

Click HERE for map

CUSA is trying to secure preferential travel arrangements for fans who do not start their journeys within Colchester so look out for a future announcement about Football Special Buses.

Roger Westlake

CUSA Secretary

Saturday 21st June 2008

Eddie & the Hot Rods to headline 10^th Kelvedon Free Music Festival

This year will see Kelvedon host its 10^th annual free music festival on 12^th July, from midday to 7:30 pm. To celebrate this special anniversary we have invited back some old friends as well as introducing you to some new ones.We’re very pleased to announce that Eddie & the Hot Rods will be returning to headline this year’s event, after they were such a hit in 2005.  We’ll also be welcoming back Essex based melodic rockers Relay and, from last year, Exposé, who are possibly the best covers band in Essex.

New to the main stage will be a band we have been chasing for several years, crusty folk punk legends, Saltdog. We are also delighted to welcome Absent Kid, who were booked to play following their performance on the hallowed turf before Colchester United’s last game at Layer Road.

Mellow folk blues band Songs from the Blue House will provide a delightful respite before local Commitments tribute band The Committed shake their tailfeathers. The whole festival will be kicked off at midday by this year’s Battle of the Bands winners, Drummer Hates Jazz.

The second stage is now into its third year and will be hosted this year by the excellent Essex Rocks who have a fantastic array of bands lined up to provide an edgier, raunchier alternative to the main stage. Karilla, The Kuru Smile, Takoma Star, British Standard and local lads Collision Theory will cover a broad range of rock genres, while Curly Circus will prove that music is nothing if not entertaining. We are dead chuffed that the excellent guitar craftsman Adrian Nation has recently joined the line up, and Surfquake will blow you away with their retro surf influenced rock’n’roll.

Boudica Rio Samba Bloco will be on the playing field to provide us a blast of colour and rhythm. As ever there will be a range of stalls selling all kinds of foods and crafts and, of course, the festival beer tent will be offering award winning Brewers Gold amongst it’s array of wares. We will also have a bouncy castle and a number of other attractions, perfect for a family day out.

In an effort to avoid as much traffic congestion as last year parking will be available at St Mary’s Primary School, just across the road from one of the entrances to the festival site, for a small fee and which will go to the school PTA.

Help is always welcome on the day and if you’re interested in becoming a part of the team that makes this increasingly popular event happen please get in touch via the website; www.kelvedonfreemusicfestival.co.uk or  www.myspace.com/kelvedonfreemusicfestival .

Sunday 15th June 2008

 

Leigh Woods receiving his award from CUSA FC Chairman Kev Grimsey

Michael Boswell receiving his golden boot from CUSA FC Treasurer Robin Fisher

Friday 13th June 2008

Travel Plan News

The U's move to Weston Homes Community Stadium is quickly approaching and there remains plenty of interest amongst supporters in the Matchday Travel Service.

Once again, snippets of information have appeared in the local press, but the full and complete story will appear here FIRST on the official website.

The club, working alongside the Colchester United Supporters Association, have been working hard to formulate a plan which will be a 'best fit solution' for as many people as possible.

And the CUSA Secretary Roger Westlake told CU-FC.com: "We are extremely disappointed that an agreement that all parties would unveil the detailed Travel Plan at an official launch has not been honoured.

"Drip feeding bits and pieces of the plan merely leads to further uncertainty and questions and the report in today's newspaper does just that, raises questions and provides no answers.

"The CUSA and the Football Club have worked together tirelessly over a long period to put together a plan that addresses the needs of the fans and my advice to fans is to await the launch for a full and accurate account of the travel arrangements that will enable U's supporters to get to games at little cost - and in many cases no cost at all."

It is expected that the details of the Matchday Travel Service will be launched on the week beginning June 23rd, so stay tuned for all of the information here on the official website!
 

10th June 2008

Official Shirt for sale

Ex CUSA member Emma Spurgeon needs to make room for a new addition to the family, can you help Emma?

Emma writes...

My boyfriend and I used to be CUSA Members and Season Tickets Holders for 2 years, whilst attending Layer Road I was a shirt sponsor twice, for Kem Izzet and pat Baldwin. I have both the shirts both official but Pat Baldwin’s is fully signed apart from Mark Yeates the year we made it into the Championship I am looking to sell the Pat Baldwin Shirt and I am looking to sell for the right price and have a box of programmes as well 2 years worth. Reason for this is that we are having our first child need the space.

If you are interested you can email Emma..........            Emma.Spurgeon@essex.gov.uk

We hope to have a photo of the shirts on site soon.

30th May 2008

26th May 2008

The season may be over, but U's fans continue to spread the name through the community. This time right near the New Stadium at the Rugby club, and St Helena's Hospice's fund raising event, Its a Knockout. It was cold, windy, and very wet. Especially for the competitors. £8000 was raised, hopefully we (they) can do it again next year. The CUSA team finished 6th. Not bottom and a great result considering the average age of the team.

28th April 2008

The final curtain

Saturday 26th April will live long in the memory for many U's fans as the day Colchester United played their last ever league fixture at Layer Road. Whilst the game may not have been memorable, the supporters did the club proud by dressing up the old lady for one last hurrah. Here are a few photo's, more to follow

20th April 2008

Congratulations to CUSA member Lea Finch for her CLUBMAN OF THE YEAR award presented at the Coventry match.

Lea has worked on two projects raising £1000's for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The cycle ride to Southend last year raised £7000 alone and its hoped that this years event from Ipswich to Layer Road will add significantly to that. The charity fund raising also raises the profile of CUFC in the community and has brought much acclaim as far away as Sunderland.

Lea is a CUSA committee member and can be found behind the supporters bar at home games, a position she enjoys but alas, will not be able to do when the club moves to Cuckoo Farm.

6th April 2008

The CUSA will be taking 2 coaches to Leicester.
There are only a very few places left, so if you intend to travel by coach I would suggest you book asap.
I shall be out of the country from Monday evening so please, do not email away travel or myself.
If you wish to go or need to cancel please phone Jon Burns (his number can be found on the CUSA website

Jeanette Westlake, CUSA Travel Secretary.

Bike Ride

Well done to all those that took part in the cycle ride to raise much needed money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and a huge congratulations to Lea Finch for another very successful event. There are probably a few sore bums today after the long ride from Portman road to Layer Road but its all for a worthy cause and much appreciated by everyone. Unfortunately not all managed to complete the distance due to technical problems as we can see below from the bike used by Chairman Jon Burns, or was it because...........?

U's v Ipswich Town. Crowd gets ready and cameras ready to roll for historic last match between the sides at Layer Road

Dutch fans take the applause while the award winning season review sells out!

T4 looks on while ITFC favourite Ref, Andy Durso, takes center stage.

U's in the thick of the action and later Scott Vernon gives the fans something to celebrate.

Celebrations all round and friendly banter in the bar with an ITFC fan who flew in from SA that morning for the match.

This time, a diamond result for the U's!

Its all too much for some, Safety officer drops his beer! and Jon Burns mulls over an eventful Saturday in the Fat Cat.

27th March 2008

Create your piece of History

As reported in our last Newsletter within the grounds of the new Community Stadium stands an old Oak Tree which is subject to a conservation order.  The area around the tree is being used to create a piece of history.  An illuminated feature including turf from the Layer Road pitch, the “Layer Bricks” which will be moved from outside the current ground and a plaque will be created and a “Time Capsule” will be buried with the intention that it be unearthed in 100 years time.

CUSA members have been very slow in responding to the invitation to suggest items to be placed in the capsule so please take this last chance to create your bit of history. Please send your suggestions to Roger Westlake, CUSA Secretary, 9, Twining Road, Colchester, CO3 9XG or hand them in to the CUSA Hut or the Corner Bar.

Goodbye to Layer Road Football Ground

With only a handful of games remaining at Layer Road, the stadium that has served the U’s so well over the years, every supporter of the Club has their own special memories of Layer Road Football Ground.

The club want to ensure that these memories are not allowed to fade away and would like you to send them your own tales and anecdotes, so that they can compile a book, entitled ‘My Layer Road’ to be published in Autumn 2008.

So, what does the old ground means to you? All memories are welcome, and could include things like:

       What you will miss /  never forget about Layer Road

       Best and/or worst moments / memories

       Favourite characters that you connect with Layer Road ~ players, managers, supporters

       The sights, sounds and smells of Layer Road

       The first game you saw at the ground

       What has changed about Layer Road down the years

       The part of the ground where you have sat or stood down the years

       The big games

       The last game at Layer Road

       What you hope The Community Stadium will be like

The book will also include an extensive photo library of images of Layer Road through the years.  The club has an archive of pictures but, previous to the early 1990s, it becomes somewhat patchy.  If you have any photographs that you would also be willing to share, please let the club know, they would be delighted to receive them and the book will certainly be made stronger by pictorial additions.

CUSA urges you to write to Media Dept., Layer Road Football Ground, Layer Road, Colchester, Essex

or

if you would prefer to talk to someone about your memories, and have them written down or recorded for you, the club will have a stand at Colchester Public Library from the start of April on dates to be confirmed. Please check the local media for more details.

or email the club at editor@colchesterunited.net or give them a call on 01206 715337 to set up a time to come and talk to them down at Layer Road. Your contributions can be as long or as short as you want. The club will not be able to include every item, and may have to sub edit or reduce the length of those they do use.

With your help they hope to create a suitable tribute to the U’s home for the last 70 years so please get in touch!

CUSA Colchester United Player of the Season

Throughout the season those loyal fans travelling on the CUSA coaches to away games have been voting for their Man of the Match and their votes will eventually decide who is to be crowned CUSA Away Player of the Season.  Now, as the season draws to a close, it’s your opportunity to vote for the CUSA Player of the Season so please complete the voting form and cast your vote by 19^th April 2008.

25th March 2008

IT's A KNOCKOUT !

13th March 2008

SPONSORED BICYCLE RIDE - EMILY BEGG FUND/TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
Following the success of last seasons' pedal power event from Layer Road to
Roots Hall, CUSA Committee Member Lea Finch has decided to do it all again,
but this time for the visit of Ipswich Town on Saturday 5 April.
Departing Portman Road at approximately 11am, an intrepid band of cyclists
will start the journey to Layer Road all in aid of the Emily Begg Fund and
the Teenage Cancer Trust. U's fans will be looking to raise as much
sponsorship as possible which will ultimately go towards £100,000 of new
equipment at Addenbrookes Hospital.
If you would like to be involved, or can help in any way, especially with
sponsorship, please contact Lea on mail@leafinch.freeserve.co.uk
<mailto:mail@leafinch.freeserve.co.uk> , or 07914 238456 or via Facebook.
Alternatively, you can always find Lea pulling pints in the CUSA Corner Bar
at Layer Road!
Good luck from the CUSA to everybody who gets involved!

 

9th March 2008

A special season marking our 70th anniversary

The game was Blackpool 29/12/07 to celebrate 70yrs of CUSA Club & Association.

Left to Right

George and Pat Cardy, Robin,  Diane Hurn,  Barry Osborne, Jeanette, Eddie the Eagle, Gavin Woodrow, George Osborne, Natalie and Peter Bell, Tracey and Matthew Tokley.

24th February 2008

Full list of final positions of the Quiz.

19th February 2008

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN officially began at Waldegraves Holiday park on Mersea Island on a very enjoyable Sunday evening. Some 26 teams of six entered the Quiz night which was a huge success. Supported by Legends from the past, competitors enjoyed good food and good beer whilst being entertained by John Schultz with some tales and memories from the past by some of our all time favourite players. Peter Cawley, Bobby Hunt, Tony Adcock, David Gregory, Joe Dunne, Martyn King, Reg Stewart, Steve Wright and Peter Wright all took their bow in front of a packed room and stayed to chat for awhile at the end. Well done to all involved for making this event so successfull.

The winning team included six CUSA members. Called the "159 to Marble Arch" after the Talisman London Bus which they travelled down on. They went on to win the competition which was no mean feat considering the teams in opposition.

Final results 1st. The 159 to Marble Arch 116.  2nd.The Ruff Edges 113.  3rd Ginge where are you? 112.

Well done to CUSA members Steve Whitfield, Shaun Whitfield, Mary Ford, Judith Ost, Jo Richardson and Paul Ost.

A great team effort!  :o)

The following pictures were kindly provided by Photographer Martin Bright.

Thanks to Martin Bright for taking the photographs        UP the U's

CONTACT AND OTHER DETAILS

For Away Travel Queries: away_travel@cusa.co.uk

For General Information: Temporary out of service

For Membership Queries: membership@cusa.co.uk

For CUSA Football Team Queries: footie@cusa.co.uk

For Questions / Comments / Content of Website : webmaster@cusa.co.uk

OTHER RELATED LINKS

www.ccsag.org  For Community Stadium News

www.cu-fc.premiumtv.co.uk  Colchester United FC Official Website

www.culfc.com   Colchester United Ladies Football Club

www.footie.fsnet.co.uk    Colchester Sunday League Football
 

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