Oxford United in the Community shortlisted for Charity and Community award at Oxfordshire Business Awards
Oxford United in the Community, the official charity of Oxford United, has been confirmed as a finalist in the Charity and Community category at this year’s Oxfordshire Business Awards.
Celebrating its 29th year, the Oxfordshire Business Awards recognises and promotes the excellence of county-based organisations and good causes at a black-tie ceremony at Oxford Brookes University on Thursday, June 12.
Oxford United in the Community is one of three finalists in the Charity and Community award which attracted 26 entries. All entries were asked to demonstrate clear evidence of fulfilling charitable objectives, delivering positive impact on disadvantaged groups, leadership influence and community excellence.
It follows an exceptional year of growth for the charity which almost doubled its year-on-year social value to £973,000 by collaborating with 23 project delivery partners in 28 venues across the county to 1,672 programme participants.
Programmes are delivered to people of all ages and tackle some of Oxfordshire’s core social issues including loneliness, inequality, reoffending and mental health by harnessing the power of football and the U’s badge.
Matt Everett, CEO of Oxford United in the Community, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be shortlisted as a finalist at this year’s Oxfordshire Business Awards.
“It’s a reflection of not only the hard work of our programme leads and community coaches, but also symbolic of the power the Oxford United badge has to transform lives and inspire happier, healthier and better connected communities within the county.
“Many people remain unaware that we operate as a separate charity, which is of course well supported by the Club but operates independently on a not-for-profit basis.
“We work in close partnership with other local charities and organisations to deliver programmes tackling a wide-range of issues, and are delighted that this has been recognised with our shortlisting for this award.
“Our operation has evolved significantly in recent years to meet the requirements of the communities which our team has been proud to serve for more than 35 years.”
Founded in 1989, programmes Oxford United in the Community deliver today range from its monthly Manor Club for the Over 50s to support those at risk of loneliness and isolation plus weekly inclusion and refugee football sessions.
The charity has also partnered with HMP Bullingdon to equip prisoners with coaching qualifications to drive down reoffending rates. It also works with Abingdon and Witney College to jointly deliver Oxford United’s Advanced Football Programme and the Joey Beauchamp Foundation to address the pressing need for mental health services locally.
Matt added: “Many people associate our work with our participation programmes such as holiday camp and after-school clubs plus our Skills and Elite Development Centre delivery.
“While these programmes remain a significant part of our delivery, today there is a greater focus on providing better opportunities, stronger communities and positive futures by boosting provisions across our key pillars health and wellbeing, social inclusion and education and employability.
“We’d like to thank Greatest Hits Radio for shortlisting our charity for this year’s final and wish all finalists on the night the very best of luck.”
You can support the work of the charity by signing up as a Friend of Oxford United in the Community.
Business donations are £100 per month and include 3 events per year and a listing on our business directory.
Individual donations are £5 per month and include a pin badge and regular updates on the charity’s work, with both memberships having the chance to win exclusive Oxford United prizes including hospitality and signed merchandise in quarterly prize draws.
All proceeds generated from donations are committed to support charitable work within Oxfordshire, with 10% specifically pledged to the Joey Beauchamp Foundation in support of its commitment to address the pressing need for mental health support and awareness in the county.
To learn more about Oxford United in the Community and its full list of programmes or find our more about the Friends of the Community fundraising initiative, please visit www.ouitc.org.