With the new season almost upon us Oxford United are proud to announce a new initiative that will allow even more people to come along to cheer on the U’s thanks to support from local businesses.
As a club, we recognise that times are hard for people across the whole county and that we have a duty to take care of every part of the Oxfordshire Community. We also know that for some people a ticket to the football is a luxury right now.
We were recently blown away by the generosity of a supporter who purchased two Season Tickets and asked the club to allocate them to those who may not be able to afford to back Karl Robinson’s side this term.
Upon hearing about this kind act the Board decided it was their duty to help too and have paid for a further 50 Season Tickets to be distributed to similarly worthy causes. The club will now work alongside official charity partner Oxford United in the Community to give the gift of football to the most deserving – and we think we can do even better.
And that’s where Play it Forward comes in, as Managing Director Niall McWilliams explains
“Football can be such a powerful thing but through our work with the foodbanks and with various schemes across Oxfordshire we know there are people in the city and across the county who are struggling to put food on the table, let alone buy a ticket for the football.
“A fan contacted us and said that they wanted to help; could they buy two tickets and we discretely give them to a family who maybe couldn’t afford a season ticket this year. I mentioned it to the Board and they kindly expanded it by donating 50 further Season Tickets for us to use in that way.
“But our local partners are amazing and we know there will be fans out there, business owners and people who want to help. There will be plenty of kind people who share our belief that football can be something to look forward to each week, something that gives people a true focus.
“Basically ‘Play it Forward’ will be a ‘Ticket Bank’. Benefactors can buy a single Season Ticket or multiple so they can be donated back to us, and with the help of our friends at Oxford United in the Community, we will make sure they reach families who are struggling right now.”
Let’s get Play it Forward off to the right start. If you would like to get involved and buy a Season Ticket for this great cause, please email lbarton@oufc.co.uk or call 01865 337533