Today we take a look at football in Oxfordshire. The nation’s favourite sport is enjoyed by thousands of men, women and children across the county every day.

And our story reflects some of the great strides to make sure even more can take part.

New pitches, stadiums and kits have been provided thanks to FA funding.

But, despite the huge popularity, the struggles of clubs to keep going are also laid bare.

Professional footballers often give fans reason to roll their eyes.

And it must galling to hear some players’ wages when clubs can’t afford half-time oranges.

In Oxford, there is good news on the horizon, with the opening of the £2.1m community area in Marsh Lane.

The city has been desperately short of all-weather, floodlit pitches, with some football and netball teams having to travel out of the city to play.

No doubt, the Court Place Farm facility will alleviate some of the pressure.

We should be doing more to encourage people to keep playing.

It is so important for people, young and old, to take part in team sports.

Football is the nation’s game, but sometimes it is treated like the poor relation.