Oxford United in the Community Donates Tickets to Young Children

Oxford United in the Community helped young children create memories by donating match tickets to a local mentoring project.

After a group of Oxford United season ticket holders found out they were moving away mid-season, they decided to donate their remaining tickets to Oxford United in the Community – the Club’s Official Charity.

We decided to donate the tickets to Big Brothers Big Sisters Oxford, a project that matches volunteer mentors with local, disadvantaged children aged seven to 11-years-old. Run in collaboration between Oxford Hub and Oxfordshire County Council Children’s Services, the project involves the mentors spending time with the children each week and supporting them in finding new interests, boosting their self-esteem and achieving their goals.

In total, Oxford United in the Community donated 26 tickets throughout the second half of last season to Big Brothers Big Sisters, enabling them to access football and create new memories.

Big Brothers Big Sisters said: “A standout contribution this year has come from Oxford United in the Community, the Club’s Official Charity, whose generosity in donating four community tickets per home game across the season has been transformational.

“These tickets have enabled pairs to come together, cheer on their local team side by side, and connect with other pairs on the programme in a way that feels natural and fun.

“Football has featured more than any other group activity this year, and the matchday atmosphere has provided a wonderful shared experience – giving Little Siblings something to look forward to, and Big Siblings the chance to build friendships with fellow mentors.”

The Oxford United season ticket holder who donated his tickets said:

“When we relocated mid-season, donating our three season tickets back to the club felt like the right thing to do. Hearing they went to young people through Big Brothers Big Sisters – matched with mentors, many experiencing live football for the first time – was a wonderful outcome.

“Oxford United in the Community does brilliant work using the club badge to reach people who need it most. We’re glad the seats played a small part in that.”

To support Oxford United in the Community’s vital work across the Oxfordshire, become a Friend of the Community by donating £5 each month. To sign up, please click HERE.