Young people in Blackbird Leys have put their batting and bowling skills to the test ahead of the new cricket season, thanks to a free-to-attend initiative funded by Oxford United.
OxChamps Cricket Academy works with children aged eight to 15, teaching them the sport’s fundamental skills and rules before entering a competitive environment.
The Academy works in association with Active Oxfordshire as part of the charity’s goals to increase activity levels and challenge health inequalities to create happier and healthier communities.
The charity received a £1,000 grant from Oxford United after it was chosen as one of ten winners of the Club’s Dreaming Spires initiative. Funds have been used to support delivery of the free sessions and purchase essential equipment including bats, pads, gloves, helmets, balls and stumps.
Sessions are delivered every week with the programme’s coaches acting as a bridge between new players and clubs in search of members to help drive participation locally.
Muhammad Ayub, OxChamps Cricket Academy Head Coach, said: “The physical and mental wellbeing benefits attached to playing cricket for young people are significant.
“It’s not only a great way to improve physical fitness and boost a person’s levels of social interaction, but also helps develop skills such as communication, teamwork and key cognitive skills.
“Prior to our existence, we found not everyone had the opportunity to engage with cricket due to several barriers including access, cost and misinformed perception.
“By providing free weekly sessions to children in Blackbird Leys, we’re removing these barriers and encouraging the next generation of cricketers and team leaders by developing skills essential both on the field and in life generally.
“We’re proud to be supported in our delivery by Oxford United and thank the Club for backing an initiative which has a positive impact on people in Blackbird Leys.”
Sessions during the summer months take place at Cowley Marsh Recreation Ground from 6pm on Fridays. No registration is required, and full kit is provided.
Adam Benson, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer at Oxford United, said: “A key pillar of our Dreaming Spires project is our commitment to supporting communities in East Oxford.
“Initiatives like OxChamps Cricket Academy play an essential role in providing access to sports participation to those who might historically not have been able to take part.
“We are delighted to support the group’s work as part of its link with Active Oxfordshire and hope funds have a positive impact on cricket participation in the area.”
Ten Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and wellbeing programmes, were selected by a judging panel to each receive a £1,000 grant from the Club.
The successful applicants demonstrated how the funding would help them make improvements and deliver more impact in our communities.
Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project also includes a variety of other initiatives including 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-room Radisson hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health and wellbeing space and a community plaza.
