Football with heart takes centre stage this Good Friday as Oxford United celebrates its annual Community Matchday, shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of its official charity, Oxford United in the Community.
Taking place during the U’s highly anticipated Championship fixture against top of the table Leeds United, the event will see £1 from every ticket purchased donated to the charity, helping fund vital programmes that aim to build healthier, happier and more connected communities across Oxfordshire.
Plus, the U’s really need your support on every home game as the side currently sit 17th on 48 points, 6 points clear of Cardiff City in 22nd and the last relegation spot. There are 6 games left for Gary Rowett and his charges to secure Championship status for another season.
The Power of Football to Inspire Change
Founded in 1989, Oxford United in the Community uses the influence of football and the club’s badge to deliver a wide range of life-enhancing initiatives to people of all ages and backgrounds. The charity reaches more than 1,600 people annually across 28 locations in Oxfordshire, delivering work across four core pillars:
- Participation
- Health and Wellbeing
- Social Inclusion
- Education and Employability
From school partnerships and holiday camps to employability sessions and inclusive sport for adults with learning differences, the charity is transforming lives on and off the pitch.
Grant Ferguson, Oxford United Chairman, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the work Oxford United in the Community does in delivering excellent programmes across the county by leveraging the Club badge to inspire people and improve lives.
“We are delighted to further support and celebrate this work at our forthcoming Community Matchday, which will take place each year at our closest home match to Easter on an ongoing basis.”
‘Football on the Brain’ – A Matchday Experience Like No Other
Fans attending Friday’s match will be treated to more than just football. In partnership with Football on the Brain, a four-year University of Oxford project funded by the Wellcome Trust, a pre-match interactive pop-up will be set up in the Exhibition Bar to engage supporters with fun and educational activities such as:
- Juggling while wearing prism goggles that distort vision
- Multi-tasking challenges and coordination tests
- A sleep habits quiz exploring mental and physical wellbeing
These activities aim to show how the brain controls movement, emotions, and learning, both on the pitch and in daily life.
Become a Friend of the Charity & Win Exclusive Prizes
Supporters are encouraged to sign up as a Friend of Oxford United in the Community for just £5 per month, directly contributing to programmes that make a difference across the county.
Benefits include:
- Entry into quarterly prize draws to win exclusive club experiences, including:
- Hospitality packages at Icons Restaurant
- Training ground tours
- Signed shirts and match tickets
Matt Everett, CEO of Oxford United in the Community, added:
“There remains a perception that our work is delivered almost exclusively to young people through our holiday camp, skill centre and Elite Development Centre provisions.
“While those programmes contribute significantly to our wider charitable work, our operation today is about far more than delivery on the pitch.
“By collaborating with schools, community centres and prisons plus our partner charities and the football club itself, we’re able to deliver tangible change to people’s lives which enhances people’s physical and mental wellbeing, life prospects and futures.
“We look forward to showcasing this at Friday’s Community Matchday and thank the club for its continued support of our operation.”
One annual subscription alone can:
- Fund two weekly football inclusion sessions for adults with learning differences
- Provide kit packs for two young mascots to walk out with the team
To sign up, visit Friends of Oxford United in the Community.
