Oxford United are proud to have taken part in the EFL’s Day of Action today to demonstrate the positive impact football can have in changing young people’s lives.
EFL Clubs across all three divisions have been showcasing the innovative and ground breaking work they do for young people in tackling some of the biggest issues in society across education, health, community inclusion and participation.
Midfielders Alex Mowatt and Ryan Ledson and defender Dwight Tiendalli went to the Oxford Academy this afternoon to meet with pupils and talk about life as a footballer as well as participate in a Q&A session and take part in a sports lesson.
United’s managing Director Niall McWilliams said
“It was a fantastic afternoon and really reinforced the positive effect that a football club can have when it interacts with its community. The players were fantastic and an unexpected bonus was Dwight volunteering to come back regularly and act as a mentor to some of the pupils: having an international footballer who has played in the Premier League say he will do that is a brilliant thing for those children.”
EFL Chairman, Ian Lenagan, formerly Chairman at Oxford United, said:
“Football continues to support its communities seven days a week, 365 days a year through our unique network of Club community trusts.
“Bringing all 72 together on one day for the EFL Day of Action highlights the special role the EFL has in society and our collective ability to make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of millions of people.
“It is fantastic to see so many managers and players across England and Wales coming out in support of the excellent work being undertaken by their own Club right in the heart of their own community.
“There are few sporting organisations that can deliver the scale of innovative and ground breaking activity we do via our network of clubs across so many important areas, including inclusion, charitable causes, community engagement, education or health.”