New Government guidelines come in to place at midnight on Wednesday and although Oxford United’s First Team matches will continue in line with advice on elite sport the new rules will have a direct effect on the way the club works in many areas.
In summary
FIRST TEAM
Training and matches will continue with the club continuing to adhere to all current protocols both at the Training Ground and on matchdays.
TICKETS
The club is disappointed that we are still unable to welcome our fans back to matches with games continuing to be played behind closed doors but we will continue to work towards getting fans back into stadium as soon as soon as it is possible and it is safe to do so. iFollow will continue to stream matches.
RETAIL
The club shop at the stadium will close to personal callers at 5pm on Wednesday. Our Click and Collect system remains in place and our online shop www.oufcshop.co.uk continues to operate 24/7 with postal orders despatched daily. This is traditionally the club shop’s busiest time of year and we urge all fans to help support the club by switching your Christmas shopping to our online outlet this Christmas.
STADIUM
Club staff will work from home wherever possible outside of matchdays but can still be reached via the usual phone numbers and email addresses
ACADEMY
The Academy’s Under 18 and Under 21 programmes are set to continue in line with the elite sport guidelines with final confirmation of this expected on Friday.
Our existing Covid-protocols have been successfully reviewed by the EFL enabling us to continue delivering our PDP programme at this time. We are expecting our training programme for our U7s-U15s to move online for the next 4 weeks with the games programme for these groups suspended at this time.
WOMEN
Oxford United Women are not included in the ‘elite sport’ category and so their training and matches have been suspended until rules allow them to resume.
OXFORD SPORTS PARK
The Training Ground had become a bustling place for community activities including walking football, five a side competitions and local sides using the 3G pitches for training. Unfortunately these will need to be postponed immediately after the last booking on Wednesday evening has been completed
COMMERCIAL
The club continues to offer many commercial opportunities for businesses of all sizes, with digital and online opportunities becoming a key revenue stream at this time. If you would like to find out more then email commercial@oufc.co.uk or call 01865 337503 or 337513
COMMUNITY
Oxford United in the Community will continue to deliver after school clubs and Premier League Primary Stars programmes in partner schools during November.
The team are continuing to liaise with schools and will provide programmes where required, in keeping with government advice and COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The delivery of its development centres and skills centres will run until Wednesday and then be placed on hold until the restrictions change.
Oxford United in the Community will also continue to deliver its ‘Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together’ project in partnership with Age UK Oxfordshire and Active Oxfordshire.
“We have adjusted our activity according to the latest Government guidance and are pleased we are in a position to be able to continue to deliver positive social impact safely in our community at this vital time,” said Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community.