Pete Green of the Oxford United Supporters’ Panel looks back on the recent Family Day.
Whenever I’m asked to describe what it’s like being a supporter of Oxford United, I always say that it’s like being part of one big family.
I attended my first Oxford United game 40 years ago this week with my dad. I would also go to games with my auntie and wider family, who still go to games, and I now take my children to complete the circle.
But when I talk about the Oxford United family, it’s not just those who I am related to. It’s the people you see at every game, or sometimes years apart. Those that become friends, and those who you have said hello to for years but still don’t know their names. It’s the staff in the ticket office, the faces at the turnstiles, the ground staff with their forks, and Rosie with the half-time crossbar challenge.
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We celebrate together, and have cried together. We don’t always agree, and can have lots of very different opinions from each other. We have good times, and bad. But we all want the same thing and our love for Oxford United brings everyone together no matter your age or background.
And nothing shows this more than our recent Family Day. Almost 9,000 home fans turned up on an autumn weekend to have their faces painted yellow and blue, to play Smash Padel (an indoor tennis game) or watch freestyling footballers showing off their skills.
The players were happy meeting fans and signing autographs before the game, and the club’s community coaching teams put on skills sessions for our footballers of the future.
And of course, Olly and Olivia Ox were there to have their photos taken with some little children, and some big children too! You can never be too old for a hug with our furry mascots!
What was really encouraging was hearing from so many people who were attending a game for their first time. I meet loads of families who had come out to support their local team after hearing so much positivity about the new stadium project.
There were also students from our universities, visiting French students and a couple on their honeymoon. So many were wearing the famous yellow and blue as scarves, shirts or hats, as well as waving flags provided by the club.
Oxford United are going from strength to strength, on and off the pitch. There’s never been a better time to join this incredible family and become an Oxford fan for life.
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