Oxford United in the Community has formalised a new partnership with award-winning campaign Her Game Too to help create positive change in football.
The move forms part of the football club’s official charity’s commitment to supporting female participation in football either watching or playing.
Already, fundraising has enabled the charity to deliver free sanitary products at all Oxford United home fixtures during the 2024-25 season, while on the pitch it continues to deliver girls-only camps, development centre programmes and free Premier League Kicks sessions.
The new partnership was confirmed on Thursday, 15th August, at one of Oxford United in the Community’s girls-only holiday camps where the club’s first-team players Zoe Barrett and Vita Budaieva made a surprise appearance.
Kerrie Bates, operations administrator at Oxford United in the Community, said working with Her Game Too will enhance opportunities and experiences for female football fans of all ages.
“We’ve established close connections to local Her Game Too volunteers since the campaign’s launch three years ago,” said Kerrie. “We will continue to work towards increasing opportunities for girls through our programmes, such as girls-only holiday camps.
“Formalising our work with Her Game Too means we can be at the forefront of continuing to promote female participation in football and work towards equality in the game.
“Our thanks go to Zoe and Vita for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet our girls-only holiday camp participants to mark the beginning of this partnership and getting stuck in with some football-based fun.”
Founded in May 2021, Her Game Too raises awareness on the importance of inclusivity and diversity across all sports and is championed by female sports fans.
Its volunteers aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for all sports fans, regardless of their background, ability or gender.
Grace Bailey, Oxford United’s Her Game Too ambassador, said: “We’re passionate about football and working to eradicate sexism in the industry and wider sporting world.
“We have a great existing relationship with Oxford United in the Community through previous charitable events and have heard first-hand the positive impact its work has on female football fans across Oxfordshire.
“We’re determined for small changes to make big impacts and contribute to fun, friendly and positive football experiences for everyone.”
Further information about Her Game Too is available online via www.hergametoo.co.uk.
