Oxford United has announced the 10 organisations which will benefit from a £10,000 grant.
All the winners of the football club's community giving back grants are Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations committed to providing sports, as well as health and wellbeing programmes.
The grants form part of the Dreaming Spires project, an initiative launched alongside the club's new stadium, designed to deliver positive impact across the county through activities and outreach programmes.
A model of Oxford United's new stadium (Image: Oxford United)
The grant recipients, selected by a judging panel, demonstrated how the funds would help them make improvements and deliver more impact to the community.
They are Chalgrove Cavaliers FC, Leys Community Development Initiative, Kidlington Cricket Club, Oxford Wheelchair Basketball Club, Dorchester Cricket Club, Bicester Widows, Kidlington Youth FC, Active Oxfordshire, Emmaus Oxford and MyVision Oxfordshire.
The grants will allow these organisations to fund projects ranging from providing new kits and equipment to renovating community facilities.
Adam Benson, chief commercial and marketing officer at Oxford United, said: "Congratulations to all the groups that have been selected to receive one of our community grants.
"The organisations that won all identified a clear need for help and demonstrated how funding will make a tangible difference to what they do.
"We have a clear vision to provide more support and to deliver a host of new community programmes, and the new stadium is key to allowing us to do that."
The Dreaming Spires project aims to provide students and young professionals with work experience, apprenticeship and job opportunities and support programmes focusing on mental health issues, mentoring, and education.
Oxford United is also committed to improving and preserving sports pitches at Stratfield Brake and ensuring the club's training ground remains at Horspath Road, with many community programmes continuing to operate from there.
Kirk Wheeler, charity manager of Leys Community Development Initiative (CDI), said: ‘‘The recognition and support of CDI is a wonderful boost for our community members and further enhances the bond between the club and its locally community.
“Still buzzing from the club’s fine achievements at Wembley, CDI members, young and old, will be thrilled to hear of the wonderful news.
"Endorsement of their work doesn’t come any greater than that from their beloved team."
Helen Mariner, deputy CEO of Active Oxfordshire, added: "Support like this enables us to continue our work across Oxfordshire and help even more people get active, boost their wellbeing and make positive changes to their lives.
“This generous support from Oxford United will go directly to our inclusive sports programme for young people, meaning that hundreds more young people can enjoy sports opportunities and access training to become the next generation of sports coaches and leaders."
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