Oxford United has received a great response to its giving-back community fund – and there is still time to enter.
The fund was launched to celebrate the announcement of The Dreaming Spires Project, the club’s set of major community initiatives designed to deliver significant positive impact as part of its new stadium proposals.
The community-giving-back fund will provide ten £1,000 grants to Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and wellbeing programmes.
Schools whose facilities are used by community groups will also be able to apply for a grant from the club, with funds available to support kit and equipment purchases, facility improvements, volunteer training and coaching requirements.
Organisations have until 23.59 on Friday 12th April to enter to be in with a chance of winning a grant. The winning ten will be selected by a judging panel made up of members from the stadium project team.
Adam Benson, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Oxford United, said: “We’ve had a great response to our community giving back competition, but there is still time to enter. I’d encourage clubs, groups, charities and schools to enter to be in with a chance of receiving a £1,000 grant.
“The scale of the impact we could deliver via the new stadium would be a game-changer for the club and county. The Dreaming Spires Project will ensure the proposed new stadium has a hugely positive impact on our local communities.”
The Dreaming Spires Project will offer work experience, apprenticeship and employment opportunities for students and young professionals, plus mental health support programmes, mentoring and education, pitch improvement support for Stratfield Brake sports ground and a scheme to ensure the club’s community work in and around Blackbird Leys continues.
The project consists of five core elements which prioritise opportunity, accessibility, people’s mental wellbeing, development and local legacy.
The commitments will be rolled out during the stadium’s initial construction phase, with lasting pledges forming a key part of the venue’s operation once open to help address genuine local needs. Positive impact work has already commenced in some key areas.
Those who wish to apply for one of the ten available grants can do so here.
Full terms and conditions can be viewed by clicking here.