Women and Oxford Bus Company Build Partnership

The Oxford Bus Company and Oxford United Women's team took part in a special 'double opening' ceremony on Sunday.

Staff from the two organisations joined together to celebrate two landmark community openings, as part of its on-going partnership.

Oxford United Women's manager Andy Cook and captain Lauren Haynes officially opened the Oxford Bus Company's recently refurbished travel shop and customer lounge at Gloucester Green in the City centre.

The travel centre and customer lounge represents an investment in excess of £100,000 by Oxford Bus Company to improve the facilities for coach passengers, and the facility now includes a lounge waiting area with free wi-fi and charging points, drinks and food machines and customer information screens.

The group then travelled together from Gloucester Green to Court Place Farm, Marston, the new home of Oxford United Women's team, in an Oxford Bus Company coach. It was driven by Shaun Ritchie, Oxford Bus Company route manager, who volunteers for the United Women's team, as part of the partnership.

There, the Oxford Bus Company returned the honour and Shaun officially opened United Women team's new home with players Lauren Haynes and Linsey Pinker. United moved to Court Place Farm in summer from Northcourt Road, Abingdon.

Shaun Ritchie, of the Oxford Bus Company, said: "The on-going partnership between the Oxford Bus Company and Oxford United Women's team is going from strength to strength.
"We renewed our front of shirt sponsorship of the club in summer and it felt fitting for us to invite the team to open our fantastic newly refurbished travel centre at Gloucester Green and we were delighted when they then invited us to open their new home.

"It was an honour to officially open United's new home and we all hope it heralds the start of a successful season for the Women's team. The facilities at Court Place Farm are excellent and there was a great community feel to the day. It's an exciting time for both organisations and we look forwarding to building successfully together."

Andy Cook, of Oxford United, said: "It was a great day as we celebrated the progress of both the Women's team and the Oxford Bus Company. Both organisations are proud to serve Oxfordshire and strongly believe in community and working together to achieve success.
"The official openings of both locations are great markers in our progression and form part of what is a blossoming relationship.

Andy Cook, Lauren Haynes and Regional Talent Club director Rebecca Sawiuk also took part in a Q&A in the clubhouse.

The events culminated in United playing Bristol City in their final pre-season friendly ahead of their new league campaign. Youngsters from the RTC took part as mascots, the guard of honour and ball girls for the game and families enjoyed Olly's Den and Olivia's Snug.