Oxford United in the Community today announced club legend Les Robinson as a Patron of the charity.
The football club’s official charity helps inspire youngsters to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement and education.
Les Robinson, affectionately known as Robbo, played for United for ten seasons between 1990 and 2000 and is sixth in the list of the club’s most appearances. He was club captain and made 459 appearances for the U’s. Last year the club held a belated testimonial in recognition of his ten years’ service.
Les is now Assistant Head of Education and Head of PE at Swalcliffe Park School, a school catering for boys with autism just outside Banbury. As Patron Les will share his expertise and help shape and support initiatives where appropriate. The appointment comes as Oxford United in the Community celebrates its 30-year anniversary. It follows the recent appointment of fellow club legend James Constable as Patron.
Les said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to be Patron of Oxford United in the Community. Since my testimonial I’ve had the opportunity to re-engage with the club and the supporters and I’ve loved every minute.
“I’ve so many great memories of my career at Oxford and have so many friends there. The work in the community and schools is vital and makes such a difference. I’m looking forward to making a difference where I can.”
Chris Lowes, Head of Operations at Oxford United in the Community, said: “Les is such a role model for children and we’re delighted to have him on-board. We’ve now got three worthy Patrons for the charity who all will help us lift the profile of Oxford United in the Community and help us make a bigger positive impact.”
Greig Box Turnbull, Vice Chair of Trustees of Oxford United in the Community, added: “We have now got three club legends from each of the three different decades the charity has been running, as Patrons.
“It’s fantastic. Each Patron has an affinity with the club, fans and community and understands the importance of the work the charity does. Les didn’t hesitate in agreeing to join and I know he will be a great asset to the charity.”
Oxford United in the Community’s coaching staff deliver programmes in nursery and primary schools across Oxfordshire. They are qualified not only in football coaching, but in teaching interventions including Real PE, which focuses on the development of agility, balance and coordination, healthy competition and cooperative learning. The charity also delivers the popular Manor Club to the over 50’s to help tackle isolation in the older community.
Oxford United in the Community launched a Dream Big Appeal to raise £30,000 in its 30th year to help the charity do more impactful work across Oxfordshire. People can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/OUITC30YEARS