A basketball team open to wheelchair users, other disabled people, people with injuries, and able-bodied people in Oxfordshire has extended its commitment to the National Development League thanks to support from Oxford United.
Based at the Iffley Road Sports Centre, Oxford Wheelchair Basketball has been boosted by a £1,000 grant as part of the Club’s Dreaming Spires project – a pledge linked to the new stadium project which supports community initiatives and activities.
Since last year, Oxford Wheelchair Basketball has competed in the National Development League, a monthly tournament in London which creates opportunities for those who otherwise would not have the chance to play competitively.
Following a successful first season, the club will use the grant to help fund a second league campaign with money being committed to transport costs, registration fees and training equipment.
With no existing funding in place and a requirement to transport specialist wheelchairs to and from each fixture, the £1,000 cash boost was gratefully received by the club which works with 15 regular members with scope to grow further.
Linnet Drury, Assistant Coach at Oxford Wheelchair Basketball, said: “Opportunities to play sport competitively are limited for anyone who lives with a disability.
“Location, cost, travel and opportunity gaps can all act as blockers and prevent people from participating in the sport they have an enthusiasm for.
“As a club, we don’t receive any funding to support our training and playing provisions. It’s why being selected as a winner of Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project came as a big boost to all concerned.
“The funds will provide a valuable resource to cover matchday expenses for our players and in turn build people’s awareness and understanding of our club and sport.
“We’re a friendly, inclusive club always on the search for new members and we’d like to thank Oxford United for selecting us as a winner of this great community initiative.”
Free trials for players are held weekly on Mondays from 6pm at Iffley Road Sports Centre, and are open to all adults in Oxfordshire. Equipment is provided with the emphasis of each session focusing on skill and teamwork as much as integrating new members into the team socially.
Adam Benson, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Oxford United, said: “The physical and mental benefits of sports participation and being part of a team are well documented.
“Ensuring everyone can positively engage with sport is so important and something we as a Club are committed to through our own charitable activities. We’re really pleased to support Oxford Wheelchair Basketball in its vision to drive participation and create opportunities for its members and wish them every success with their forthcoming campaign.”
Ten Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and wellbeing programmes, were selected by a judging panel to each receive a £1,000 grant from Oxford United. The successful applicants demonstrated how the funding would help them make improvements and deliver more impact in our communities.
Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project also covers a variety of other initiatives including work experience, apprenticeship and employment opportunities for students and young professionals plus mental health support programmes, mentoring and education.
It consists of five core elements which prioritise opportunity, accessibility, people’s mental wellbeing, development and local legacy and is part of the Club’s plans to build a 16,000 capacity all-electric stadium north of Oxford, featuring a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space and a community plaza.
Further information about Oxford Wheelchair Basketball is available on Instagram via @OxfordWheelchairBasketball or email by contacting oxuniwheelchairbasketball@gmail.com.
