Kidlington Youth Football Club has received a major boost thanks to Oxford United, which has awarded the club a £1,000 grant as part of its Dreaming Spires project. The funding has enabled the grassroots club to upgrade its kitchen facilities, allowing it to serve healthy vegetarian meals for the first time in its 59-year history.
Transforming Club Facilities
Founded in 1966, Kidlington Youth FC is home to over 35 squads and 500 members, making it the largest grassroots football club in Kidlington. It is also the only local club providing weekly training and match opportunities for female footballers.
Prior to receiving the grant, the club’s kitchen facilities were extremely limited, making it difficult to cater to members and visitors with specific dietary needs. Thanks to Oxford United’s £1,000 grant, the club has purchased new kitchen appliances and upgraded its existing facilities, allowing it to provide a wider range of meal choices for players, staff, and visitors.
A Step Towards Greater Inclusivity
Richard Hague, Chair of Kidlington Youth’s Vision Committee, emphasised the impact of the funding:
“Our kitchen facilities were very limited, and before receiving this grant, we had never served a vegetarian meal in our 59-year history.
“Being a club of more than 500 members, this was clearly an issue, and the funds we’ve received from Oxford United have been invaluable to us.
“The wider benefits of this are two-fold. Most importantly, we can now cater for everyone at the club as we have enough equipment in place to safely prepare different food groups without the risk of cross-contamination.
“Not only that, but we’re also able to hire our clubhouse out for celebrations and to local community groups, knowing we have an appropriate level of kitchen equipment in place. Enhancing this revenue stream will hopefully lead to more investment, benefiting our members and the community. A big thank you to everyone at Oxford United for choosing us as a winner.”
Oxford United’s Community Commitment
The funding was delivered as part of Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project, which aims to provide initiatives and activities that benefit the local community as part of the Club’s new stadium delivery plans.
Oxford United’s Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Adam Benson, praised Kidlington Youth FC’s progress:
“Catering for all dietary requirements among members and visitors is a positive step forward for Kidlington Youth FC and the club’s goal to create a fit-for-purpose community hub within its grounds.
“We’re pleased the grant has helped to enhance the clubhouse experience as part of our commitment to supporting our community.”
Dreaming Spires: Investing in Oxfordshire
Kidlington Youth FC is one of ten Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations selected to receive £1,000 grants from Oxford United. Each successful applicant demonstrated how the funding would enhance their facilities and strengthen community impact.
The Dreaming Spires project is Oxford United’s community-focused initiative, supporting a range of local causes including:
- Work experience, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities for students and young professionals.
- Mental health support programmes and mentoring for young people.
Education initiatives to inspire future generations.
The project is part of Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000-capacity all-electric stadium north of Oxford. The development will include a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and a community plaza, ensuring a lasting legacy for the county.
Looking Ahead
As Kidlington Youth FC continues to grow, the newly upgraded kitchen facilities mark a significant milestone in the club’s history. The club’s commitment to providing inclusive and welcoming spaces for players, families, and the wider community has been strengthened by Oxford United’s investment.
With more funding opportunities and development projects on the horizon, grassroots football in Oxfordshire is set to thrive.
