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CUFC Community Awards, Imperial War Museum, Graham Daniels opens the event. Picture: Keith Heppell. (9600487)

Showcasing the power to inspire was the theme of the night at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, the venue for the Cambridge United Community Trust gala dinner.

It was the third year for an event, which had Marshall as headline sponsor, that incorporates the Cambridge United Sport in the Community Awards, which are held in association with the Cambridge Independent.

Organisations, companies and sports people from across the city joined forces for a celebration of all the good work being done in the community by the football club.

The valuable fundraising evening for the Community Trust highlighted much of the work done throughout the year, including their Active Science scheme, mini-match reporting project, mental health projects, disability football programmes and much more.

CUCT chairman Graham Daniels, who is also the U’s director of football, compered the evening which featured several on-stage interviews, with guests shown videos of some of the Trust’s successful projects.

Special guest Julia Regis, the widow of former West Brom footballer Cyrille Regis, spoke of launching the Cyrille Regis Legacy Trust and bringing together the foundations of the football clubs to work together in the Midlands.

Kilt-wearing U’s head coach Colin Calderwood talked about the first team, the importance of players’ roles in the community and how youngsters carve out a career in the game.

The evening left a lasting impression for many of the 300-plus guests, who also celebrated the achievements of the six Sport in the Community Award winners.

“It was amazing to have 340 people and almost 30 businesses come together in support of the Community Trust at our annual gala dinner,” said Sam Gomarsall, head of operations at Cambridge United Community Trust.

“It was a perfect evening for us to highlight the ways in which we use sport and the brand of the football club to positively impact lives in Cambridge.

“We are grateful for the many businesses which chose to support the Community Trust through this event.

“The evening gave us the opportunity to outline our vision to create a more mentally and physically fit Cambridge, and one which is inclusive for all in our society.

“It also allowed us to showcase the outstanding community sport work of others through the Sport in the Community Awards in association with the Cambridge Independent.

“The six winners demonstrate all that is positive about sport and are a credit to themselves and their city.”