A football team operated by Oxford United’s official charity to connect those who live with a learning difference to playing opportunities experienced its first away day of the season.
Players on Oxford United in the Community’s inclusion football squad hit the road on Sunday to visit Northampton Town and participate in a series of friendly matches against the Cobblers.
A dozen players made the two-hour plus round trip to Goals Northampton as United fielded two teams of six players each for the first time since the squad was launched last year in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College.
The fixture acted as a return leg to Northampton’s visit to Oxford United’s training ground in January where Head Coach Des Buckingham and club legend James Constable were among those pitch side to cheer the U’s’ inclusion team on in their first home match.
Mark Thomas, Social Inclusion Lead at Oxford United in the Community, travelled with the team and said progress both on and off the pitch was evident through the day.
“This was our third fixture as a team and the positive changes in terms of communication, teamwork, cohesion and skill were really pleasing to see,” said Mark. “Seeing players’ development in these areas underlines the value our inclusion football team brings to those who live with a learning difference.
“Although several players in our squad were unable to travel due to availability, we still fielded a record number of players which is another step forwards for the team and something we plan to build on in 2025.
“We’re really grateful to Russell Lewis and the team at Northampton Town Community Trust for making both fixtures this year possible and hope to meet again in the not too distant future.”
Oxford United in the Community’s inclusion football team training sessions are free and open to anyone aged 18 or older who lives with a learning difference. No previous playing experience is necessary with players split into yellow and blue groups depending on ability.
Further fixtures with other EFL clubs managed by their community trusts are planned at the beginning of 2025.
Lee Humber, Adults with Learning Differences Coordinator at Abingdon and Witney College, added: “Travelling to Northampton and playing our first away fixture of the season was a great experience for the team and really strengthened the existing relationships which had been built through training.
“Although we’ve welcomed scores of new members this year, we still have capacity at our weekly sessions and invite anyone interested to join us and be part of the team.”
Anyone living with a learning difference who wishes to join Oxford United’s inclusion football squad can email inclusion@oufc.co.uk for more details. Sessions take place every Wednesday during term time at Abingdon and Witney College’s Abingdon campus in the sports hall from 12.30pm and run for 90 minutes.
The expansion of the inclusion programme and additional fixtures have been made possible thanks to the SkyBet EFL Building Foundations Fund. More than £650,000 has been awarded to over 60 EFL club charities in March, including Oxford United in the Community.
