A FOOTBALL match between city celebrities and Oxford United legends is set to raise thousands for charity.
Pegasus Theatre is putting together a team of local television and music stars to face a squad of former U’s players in the May fixture.
U’s manager Chris Wilder and coaches Mickey Lewis and Andy Melville, plus former Aston Villa and England star Tony Daley will be among those playing.
Radiohead drummer Phil Selway, a long-time United fan and a patron of the East Oxford theatre, will lead the celebrity team which will also include members of Oxford band Stornoway Mr Selway said: “It is going to be bizarre going out on to the pitch but it will be a huge amount of fun.
“Pegasus and Oxford United are both community-orientated organisations, so it is a natural combination. It is a fantastic idea and the day itself will be a huge event.”
The game will be played at the Kassam Stadium on Sunday, May 6, the day after United’s final match of the League Two season.
More players will be announced in the coming weeks but no-one from the current United squad will star as the club is hoping to secure a play-off place in May.
Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “The United Legends side will involve some of the biggest names in the club’s history and I am sure our fans will come along, roll back the years, and enjoy a great event.”
Money raised will be split between football training charity the Oxford United Youth and Community Sports Trust, and Pegasus Projects, which offer workshops, courses and performances for up to 3,500 children and young adults every year.
Dominique Cadiou, business development director at Pegasus, said: “It’s tremendous that we can pull together with Oxford United to make this happen.
“As well as being a fantastic fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for young people and their families to see players and celebrities taking part in a fun, family-friendly day out.”
* Tickets, which go on sale today, cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and concessions, or £20 for a family ticket of four people. To order, call 01865 812150.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here