Plans to increase access to cricket for children and schools in South Oxfordshire have received a major boost, thanks to support from Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative.
Dorchester-on-Thames Cricket Club, one of the region’s oldest sporting institutions with roots dating back to 1887, is using a £1,000 Dreaming Spires grant to improve facilities and grow participation, particularly among young children and girls.
The club has partnered with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to deliver its All Stars Cricket programme to children aged 5–8 and has also launched the South Oxfordshire Cricket Partnership, which allows local state schools without their own pitches to play matches.
These efforts come at a time when community sport is under increasing financial pressure.
Why Grassroots Sport Matters in Oxfordshire
According to Sport England, only 47% of children in the South East meet recommended physical activity levels. Access to grassroots sport is a key part of reversing this trend.
In Oxfordshire, rural communities and smaller towns often lack the resources or infrastructure to maintain sporting opportunities for all. Grassroots clubs like Dorchester-on-Thames CC play a vital role in offering inclusive, low-barrier opportunities for young people to develop confidence, social skills, and healthy habits through team sports.
By extending cricket access to local schools and improving club facilities, Dorchester-on-Thames is helping to ensure sport remains a central and accessible part of community life.
Facilities Upgraded for Future Players
Recognising the growing number of female players at the club, the Dreaming Spires grant has been used to upgrade Dorchester’s 50-year-old clubhouse, including the creation of dedicated female toilet and handwashing facilities.
Thom Airs, Lead Activator for the ECB’s All Stars course, said:
“We’re a progressive, forward-thinking club with ambitions to make cricket a fun and accessible sport people can enjoy during the summer.
“Our pavilion in its former state simply didn’t align with these plans, which is why these works are crucial to help take the club forwards. Improvements mean the space is now far more welcoming for our female All Stars participants and their mums, plus our female players and spectators.
“We’re really grateful to Paul Neal for completing the project, and Oxford United for supporting our vision to enhance the playing opportunities and experiences of our existing and new members.”
Part of a Broader Commitment
Dorchester’s project is one of ten grassroots initiatives supported by Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires programme, launched in March 2024 as part of the club’s new stadium community pledge.
Other beneficiaries include:
- Active Oxfordshire
- Kidlington Youth FC
- Oxfordshire Wheelchair Basketball
- Emmaus Oxford
- Chalgrove Cavaliers FC
- MyVision Oxfordshire
…and more
Each received a £1,000 grant to support health, wellbeing, and sport delivery across the county.
Adam Benson, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Oxford United, said:
“Our Dreaming Spires project has already delivered significant and positive social impact to local charities, clubs and community groups.
“We’re really pleased to learn how Dorchester-on-Thames CC has used funds to create better experiences for new and existing members. It’s a vision which resonates greatly with our Club, and one we were happy to support.”
About Dreaming Spires
The Dreaming Spires programme supports not-for-profit organisations in five core areas:
- Opportunity creation
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Physical and mental wellbeing
- Skills and career development
- Local legacy
The initiative is closely tied to Oxford United’s future plans for a 16,000-seat all-electric stadium just north of the city. The development would also include:
- A hotel and conference centre
- Health and wellbeing spaces
- A dedicated community plaza
- Educational and apprenticeship opportunities
