Oxford United in the Community this week received “a wonderful” donation of funds raised by the Yellow Army in support of the charity.
The Yellow Army presented a cheque for £8,000 which was the result of fundraising efforts across the last two seasons by United fans.
The money was predominantly raised via match-day sales from two supporters’ merchandise stalls, selling memorabilia and old United programmes.
The stalls are run by volunteers Michael North, Sue Trafford, and Rose Green, with support from Debbie Thompson and Michael Treadwell. The donation follows the Yellow Army’s previous record-breaking pledge of £10,000 in 2017.
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community, said: “This is a wonderful donation and our sincere thanks goes to the volunteers who have worked so tirelessly to fundraise and to every supporter who made a purchase at the stalls, donated or individually fundraised. A thank you also goes to Polythene UK who generously donated carbon neutral bags to the Yellow Army to use on the stalls.”
“Like most charities we have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and this sizeable donation is incredibly welcomed and will really help us survive and continue to deliver important support work in our community. Everyone in the charity is so thankful.
“We are fortunate to have so many fantastic supporters of the club and we believe as more people become aware of the positive work the charity is doing in our community that together we can go on to achieve so much.”
Michael North said: “Oxford United in the Community are the unsung heroes of the football club and the work they do engaging with people across Oxfordshire is so important. It is our club’s charity and that is why as supporters we are committed to fundraising to help as much as we can.
"When United fans pull together it is amazing what can be achieved, and we hope the donation will help the charity help more people at this challenging time.
“We all hope we can be allowed back in the stadium where we can get back to raising more money for this important cause, so visit us in the exhibition hall before cheering the lads on to more success this season."
Oxford United in the Community helps inspire people to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement, and education. The charity’s coaching staff deliver programmes in nursery and primary schools across Oxfordshire. They are qualified not only in football coaching, but in teaching interventions including Real PE, which focuses on the development of agility, balance and coordination, healthy competition, and cooperative learning.
During COVID-19 Oxford United in the Community has conducted numerous engagement programmes including delivering homework packs to families, running daily online fitness courses, distributing Oxford United masks to care homes, and partnering with animated TV star Horrid Henry to share home-based activity programmes with thousands of youngsters.