The English Football League’s charitable arm has hailed the significant positive impact of new stadiums, ahead of Oxford United’s planning committee meeting.
EFL in the Community outlined the key benefits football clubs and their facilities deliver to the community and local economy as it expressed support for the Club’s new stadium plans.
Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community, said: “Football Clubs are the beating heart of their communities. New Football Club facilities become community hubs and provide a significant impact on the local economy, with local and regional businesses benefiting and jobs being created during both construction and operational phases.
“The health and wellbeing of the local community can also be positively impacted, as a stadium often becomes a vital asset to help support the delivery of key services to both Football fans and the wider community alike.”
The endorsement comes after Oxford United issued an open letter detailing how the Club’s proposed new stadium can address local challenges, while respecting its surroundings.
The letter explained how the stadium will help reduce NHS waiting lists and provide services to support mental and physical wellbeing. Almost 1,000 jobs will be created, with 20 per cent of these ringfenced for those living locally. The stadium would also include a Radisson Hotel, gym, accessible public plaza and café, wellbeing gardens and walking routes.
As part of the Club’s community pledge it would provide an allocation of free venue access to local schools and charities, deliver regular community sessions and offer discounted event hire for not-for-profit organisations.
EFL in the Community supports the work of the 72 Club charities linked to each football club in the EFL. It uses the power of the Club badge to improve lives and make a positive contribution to communities across the country.
The stadium plans would also enable the Club’s charity, Oxford United in the Community, which currently delivers around £1M in social value annually, to dramatically increase its outreach across Oxfordshire.
