Oxford United are delighted to announce that this year’s Community Matchday, delivered in partnership with Oxford United in the Community, will take place this Saturday when Oxford United welcome Charlton Athletic to the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford United in the Community, the Club’s Official Charity, were founded in 1989 and use the power of football to inspire happier, healthier and better-connected communities across Oxfordshire.
The work of the Club’s charity will be celebrated throughout the day, with a host of community related activities taking place in the Exhibition Bar. The matchday will shine a light on how football can play a powerful role in improving wellbeing, supporting adult health and bringing people together.
Supporters visiting the Exhibition Bar from 10:00am can take part in a range of activities and meet several organisations working in health & wellbeing across Oxfordshire, alongside members of the Oxford United in the Community team. There is also an opportunity to register for the chance to win a signed Oxford United Men’s First Team shirt.
Earlier this season, the Charity launched its new programme ‘Match Fit’, to support fans to make small changes to their health & wellbeing. Partnered with Ownminder, the free app provides access to proven Mind Fitness techniques to improve your own health & wellbeing.
You can find out more and sign up for FREE* to the Ownminder App HERE.
When downloading the App, select Oxford United in the Community to join the Oxfordshire Match Fit community.
Activities and Organisations in the Exhibition Bar
Smoothie Bike - Oxford United in the Community
In collaboration with Move ‘n’ Smooth, fans can power a smoothie bike, a fun, interactive and environmentally friendly way to create healthy fruit smoothies. The first 300 supporters into the Exhibition Bar will receive a free smoothie.
Prostate Cancer UK
Representatives will be meeting supporters and sharing information about their online risk checker and support services.
Smokefree Oxon - Stop Smoking Support
The local service will be encouraging supporters to sign up for their free stop-smoking programme and set a quit date.
Samaritans - Oxford Branch
Volunteers from the Oxford branch will be available to raise awareness of their services and offer a listening ear to anyone who may need to talk.
Turning Point - Alcohol Awareness
Turning Point will be educating fans on alcohol use and its impact on health. Supporters can also try an interactive activity using “beer goggles”, demonstrating the effects alcohol can have on the body.
Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust - Oral Hygiene
The team will share tips on maintaining good dental health, managing sugar intake and the importance of regular dental check-ups. Fans can also take part in activities including ‘Guess the Sugar Content’ and ‘Interactive Tooth Brushing’.
Royal Air Force Football
Representatives will showcase how football supports physical and mental wellbeing for service personnel and veterans, with information about opportunities in RAF sport, as well as games, flyers and trophies.
Football on the Brain - University Research
Supporters can take part in a brain-health activity, guessing whether images show younger or older brains, creating conversations about research and ways to keep your brain healthy.
Amazing Thailand
The Club’s Tourism Partner will be serving free samples of Thai Milk Tea from their ChaTraMue booth.
Andy's Man Club
The men’s mental health charity will be on hand sharing information about their free peer-to-peer support groups for men aged 18+, which take place every Monday evening.
Tickets for Saturday’s match remain available and can be purchased by:
- Visiting OUFCTickets.co.uk
- Calling the Ticket Office on 01865 337 533
- Visiting the Ticket Office in person
For every ticket purchased for the game against the Addicks, the Club will donate £1 to Oxford United in the Community. These contributions will help support a range of life-enhancing and life-changing programmes delivered to people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences throughout the county.
If you would like to support the work of Oxford United in the Community, you can become a ‘Friend of the Community’, by donating £5 per month to support their work in the community. To find out more, click HERE.
Join us this Saturday to celebrate the incredible work happening across our community and support the programmes helping change lives across Oxfordshire.