Furry Mascot

Olly the Ox

Oxford United are currently seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual to join our team as the Club's furry mascot.

As the furry mascot, you will be the face of Oxford United, bringing joy and excitement to our fans, especially the younger supporters. You will play a crucial role in enhancing the matchday experience and representing the Club at various events and community initiatives.

Position: Furry Mascot
Location: Kassam Stadium, Oxford
Type: Part-Time/Seasonal 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Matchday Appearances: Engage with fans before, during, and after home games at the Kassam Stadium.
  • Community Events: Represent Oxford United at local schools, charity events, and other community activities.
  • Fan Interaction: Pose for photos, sign autographs, and participate in promotional activities.
  • Entertainment: Perform entertaining routines, dances, and skits to energize the crowd.
  • Safety and Conduct: Ensure the safety of yourself and others while in costume, and maintain a professional and friendly demeanor at all times.

Requirements:

  • Physical Fitness: Ability to perform physically demanding activities, including dancing and interacting with fans for extended periods.
  • Outgoing Personality: Strong communication skills and a friendly, approachable demeanor.
  • Reliability: Punctuality and commitment to attending all scheduled appearances.
  • Experience: Previous experience in a mascot role or performing arts is a plus, but not required.
  • Availability: Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Safeguarding: Oxford United Football Club is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As the furry mascot, you will be expected to adhere to the Club's safeguarding policies and procedures, including:

  • Background Checks: Successful completion of a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
  • Training: Participation in safeguarding training sessions provided by the club.
  • Reporting: Promptly reporting any concerns or incidents to the designated safeguarding officer.
  • Conduct: Maintaining appropriate boundaries and behavior with all fans, especially children and vulnerable individuals.

Benefits:

  • Team Environment: Be part of a supportive and enthusiastic team.
  • Fan Engagement: Opportunity to make a positive impact on the fan experience.
  • Club Merchandise: Access to Oxford United merchandise and potential discounts.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining why they would be a great fit for the role of Oxford United's furry mascot. Applications can be sent to ataylor@oufc.co.uk.

Code of Conduct
Oxford United Football Club expects the highest standards of integrity and conduct in all matters concerning the Club and its employees. The Code of Conduct makes clear the standards of conduct expected from its employees and explains the responsibilities of the Club, as the employer. All employees are expected to always act wholeheartedly in the interests of the Club. Any conduct detrimental to its interests or its relations with its customers, suppliers, the public or damaging to its public image shall be a breach of Club rules and policies. Discriminatory, offensive, and violent behaviour are unacceptable, and any complaints or concerns will be dealt with and acted upon.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Oxford United Football Club are committed to ensuring that equality, inclusion, and diversity of opportunity is at the very heart of everything we do to ensure we provide fair and non-prejudicial access to the services across the Club. We uphold everyone’s freedom of rights and choice to be different and aim to provide opportunities for everyone to succeed. It is the policy of the Club that no person, whether player, job
applicant, employee, volunteer, or customer, shall be discriminated against. The Club opposes all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, either direct or indirect, or harassment, on the grounds of the following ‘protected characteristics’: Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage & civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex and Sexual Orientation. Anyone who is found to be in breach of
this could receive disciplinary action, which may well include suspension and dismissal.

The Club is fully committed to the EFL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Standards and as we are underrepresented in these areas; we particularly welcome ‘entry level’ applications from women, individuals from Black and Minority Ethnicities, the LGBT community and anyone with a disability.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment
Oxford United Football Club are committed to and has both a moral and legal obligation to ensure that all children and vulnerable adults are protected and kept safe from harm whilst engaged in services organised and provided by the Club and believes that the general wellbeing, welfare and safety of all children and vulnerable adults engaged in Club activities is of the upmost importance. The Club will fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring it displays best practice in safeguarding matters, including Safer Recruitment
- carried out in a spirit of partnership and openness with the child or vulnerable adult, families, and the relevant local authority.