Oxford United has named Chalgrove Cavaliers FC as the latest winner of its Dreaming Spires grant, awarding the grassroots club £1,000 to support its youth training programme.
The funding has enabled Chalgrove Cavaliers to purchase eight portable floodlights, ensuring its junior teams can continue training throughout the winter months despite limited access to floodlit all-weather facilities in the area.
Expanding Youth Football in Chalgrove
Chalgrove Cavaliers FC, based in South Oxfordshire, is home to men’s, women’s, and walking football teams, alongside two youth squads that play in the Oxfordshire Youth League. However, the club has long struggled to provide consistent winter training due to a lack of floodlighting at its recreation ground.
Thanks to Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative, the club has invested in battery-powered, portable floodlights, allowing 30 young players to train safely and consistently, preparing for weekend fixtures.
Sam Lamb, Club Secretary at Chalgrove Cavaliers FC, welcomed the funding:
“Access to suitable training facilities during the winter has been a barrier we’ve faced as a club for decades.
“The all-weather surface we use is fantastic but, ultimately, we share the facility with other sports and, as a result, providing the time and space to train for all our teams isn’t always possible.
“By purchasing eight portable floodlights, we can provide a safe and appropriate environment for our junior teams to train in during winter.
“It’s a boost for our players but also unlocks new opportunities as we can aim to confidently expand the number of teams we operate with help from volunteers who we’re continually recruiting.
“We’re very grateful to Oxford United for choosing our club as a winner of one of its grants and thank everyone concerned for their support.”
Oxford United’s Commitment to Local Sport
Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative aims to make a lasting impact on Oxfordshire communities through sport, education, and wellbeing programmes. As part of this commitment, ten local organisations that promote physical activity and wellbeing were each awarded £1,000 grants after demonstrating how the funding would improve their work.
Adam Benson, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Oxford United, praised the impact of Chalgrove Cavaliers’ project:
“We were really impressed by Chalgrove Cavaliers’ clear and compelling vision to enhance grassroots football participation locally.
“The new floodlights have already made a huge difference to the way the club operate and it’s fantastic that more children are now being given the opportunity to access training.”
About Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires Project
The Dreaming Spires initiative goes beyond funding local clubs. It also includes work experience, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities for students and young professionals, as well as mental health support programmes, mentoring, and education.
The project consists of five core elements focused on opportunity, accessibility, mental wellbeing, development, and community legacy. It forms part of Oxford United’s ambitious plans to build a 16,000-capacity all-electric stadium north of Oxford, incorporating a hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space, and a community plaza.
With the continued success of its Dreaming Spires programme, Oxford United is reinforcing its commitment to supporting grassroots sport and local communities across Oxfordshire.
