Close to 5,000 U's supporters flocked to the Kassam Stadium today for the Oxford United Open Day 2010.
Kelvin Thomas, Chris Wilder and the entire United squad were in attendance as a fun-filled day of training sessions, penalty shoot-outs and the unveiling of the club's new kit sent staff and supporters alike home with smiles on their faces.
The new kit in particular was a huge success, with the Bridle Insurance girls modelling the strip before hundreds of shirts were sold to fans of all shapes, sizes and age throughout the course of the day.
Following a Junior Yellows training session at 9am Community Officer Peter Rhoades-Brown introduced Chris Wilder, the first team coaching staff and the senior players before the squad were put through their paces on the Kassam Stadium pitch.
James Constable, Simon Heslop, Richie Baker, Asa Hall and Alfie Potter then took part in a tense penalty shoot-out against an Oxford Mail sponsored team of supporters, with the Mail side running out 3-2 winners after the tie had gone to sudden death; Wembley hero Alfie Potter turning to villain as he missed the conclusive kick, albeit with his left foot.
However the best was yet to come as four hundred Juniors - the highest number ever - took on the first team squad in one of the most chaotic games ever witnessed on United soil. With up to five balls in play at any one time the pace was never anything less than furious, though U's left back Steven Kinniburgh informs us that the match ended in a 3-2 victory to the first team...
There were also a number of draws including 50/Fifty, the mascot draws for our home friendly matches with Leicester and Manchester United, as well as our 'Face of the Programme' draw. The winners were as follows:
Leicester Mascots: Kane Herbert and Mark Selwood
Manchester United mascots: Jake Robinson and Joshua Bellamy
50/Fifty: Mr. David Harvey (£130.00)
Our 'Face of the Programme' winner is yet to come forward. If you are in possession of the winning ticket (White 297) then please contact the club on info@oufc.co.uk or by telephone on 01865 337523.
The day ended with Chris Wilder and the players meeting an endless stream of fans, posing for pictures and signing autographs for almost two hours and ensuring that the day reached the ultimate feel-good conclusion. A special mention goes to Mr. Terry Priest who joined us for the day after suffering a heart attack during United's Wembley win on May 16th. We are pleased to report that Terry was all smiles as he met Kelvin and the players.
Speaking following the end of the day's events, United Chairman Kelvin Thomas commented:
"It was an absolutely fantastic day and the perfect way to start off what is sure to be an exciting season for everyone concerned with the club. The amount of people here was again an incredible sight and it was fantastic to see so many kids who had obviously experienced Wembley and the success that we had as we moved back into the Football League. Long may it continue."
An exclusive video containing full highlights of the days events is now available in Yellow Player.
