Plans to create a multi-purpose stadium and community hub would be transformative for the women’s game, according to Her Game Too ambassador, Grace Bailey.
The stadium would enable Oxford United Women to regularly play matches at the Club’s home ground for the first time in their history, a move that would enhance inclusion and equality, create more opportunities for female players, and broaden the appeal of the sport to a new generation of supporters.
Grace has backed Oxford United’s plans for a 16,000 capacity all-electric stadium, featuring a hotel, conference & events centre, health and wellbeing space and a community plaza.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to harmonise the training and playing operations of the Club’s men’s and women’s teams.
“The reality facing the men’s team if plans for the new stadium aren’t approved match the challenges Oxford United Women face right now – we don’t have our own home.
“To play home fixtures at a brand new, state-of-the-art stadium would be transformative for the women’s game and inspire the next generation of female footballers.”
Currently, Oxford United Women play home matches at Oxford City Football Club’s M-Group Stadium. The Club has previously used other non-league grounds in the county and has only played at the Kassam Stadium on rare occasions.
The new stadium has been designed to enhance the matchday experience for female players and football fans alike, with appropriately designed changing facilities and a higher ratio of women’s toilets than stadium standards among several key features.
“Her Game Too operates to reduce inequalities female football fans face by creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone,” said Grace.
“Oxford United’s new stadium is the perfect blueprint for delivering this and more and we are excited by the potential of the plans.
“It can transform the women’s game locally and inspire positive change on a national scale. It would put Oxfordshire on the map as a progressive, inclusive community that champions female sport and transforms lives.
“Football is about bringing people and communities together - the stadium will provide huge benefits to the county. We can’t let the Club go as the new stadium will allow it to deliver so much for so many.”
Further information about Oxford United’s new stadium plans is available online via www.oufcstadium.co.uk.
