Plans to enhance access to cricket training and playing provision at a club in south Oxfordshire have been backed by Oxford United through its Dreaming Spires initiative.
Dorchester-on-Thames CC has been at the heart of its community since the first written record of the club was documented in 1887.
The club has now partnered with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to deliver its ‘All Stars’ programme to children aged 5-8 and created a South Oxfordshire Cricket Partnership to allow local state schools with no pitch access the opportunity to play matches.
Combined, it’s hoped both schemes will encourage more boys and girls to make cricket their sport of choice during the summer months.
With more young girls and women expected to play cricket at the Drayton Road venue this season, the club has established its own female loo and handwashing facilities.
The project has been funded through Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative as part of the Club’s new stadium community pledge, with a £1,000 donation funding upgrades to Dorchester-on-Thames CC’s 50-year-old clubhouse.
Thom Airs, Lead Activator for the ECB’s All Stars course, said: “We’re a progressive, forward-thinking club with ambitions to make cricket a fun and accessible sport people can enjoy during the summer.
“Our pavilion in its former state simply didn’t align with these plans, which is why these works are crucial to help take the club forwards. Improvements mean the space is now far more welcoming for our female All Stars participants and their mums, plus our female players and spectators.
“We’re really grateful to Paul Neal for completing the project, and Oxford United for supporting our vision to enhance the playing opportunities and experiences of our existing and new members.”
Launched in March 2024, Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project supported 10 county-based non-for-profit organisations to enhance the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as the delivery of health and wellbeing programmes.
Ten £1,000 grants were distributed by the Club, with other successful applicants including: Active Oxfordshire, Bicester Widows, Chalgrove Cavaliers, Emmaus Oxford, Kidlington Cricket Club, Kidlington Youth FC, My Vision Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Wheelchair Basketball and Leys CDI.
Adam Benson, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Oxford United, said: “Our Dreaming Spires project has already delivered significant and positive social impact to local charities, clubs and community groups.
“We’re really pleased to learn how Dorchester-on-Thames CC has used funds to create better experiences for new and existing members. It’s a vision which resonates greatly with our Club, and one we were happy to support.”
The Club’s Dreaming Spires project includes other initiatives such as 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-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space and a community plaza.
