Help us make a difference to children's lives
OxVox is partnering with the Oxford United Community Trust to fund over 1000 match day tickets for Oxfordshire children living in care.
There are currently over 600 children in Oxfordshire who are ‘looked after’ by the county council, with countless more made vulnerable by family upheaval or neglect. One of the things that the fantastic carers working with those young people do is, occasionally, bring them to watch Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
As members of the Oxford United family we can all imagine what this means to these young people and their carers. The Yellows are at the heart of the community, and the stadium is a place where all walks of life come together with a common purpose, accepting and celebrating one another as they shout and cheer for their team in a safe environment. As well as respite from the pressures they face, match days offer an opportunity for young people to build relationships with their carers as well as their peers, and broaden their social horizons.
As one carer puts it, “the match day is a place where children can think about their lives and have ambition that things can be better for them and that people care about them and their lives. The Oxford United family provides that and more.”
OxVox are aiming to raise £6,220 by 31 July to secure 50 places for children and their carers on match days. This will enable 40 young people and 10 carers to be at every home game. We have the ability, together, to help these children and young people and to invite them into our family.
Oxford United Managing Director Greig Box Turnbull said:
"This is another fantastic example of what we can do if the club and the fans work together to help the local community.
"Football has the power to make a huge change to the lives of so many people, and children in care are amongst the most vulnerable groups in society. We are very proud to be working with OxVox on this and we ask every supporter to get behind the 'One of our Own' campaign and help us make a real difference."
Currently up for auction is Kemar Roofe’s shirt from last season with the bidding currently well past the £400 mark. Bid by email to chair@oxvox.org.uk or via DM on Oxvox's social media accounts, Facebook or on Twitter.