FOOTBALL supporters are notorious for having matchday routines which extend well beyond the 90 minutes of play, writes Oxford United Supporters’ Panel chair Janine Bailey.

This can include when you arrive, where you spend your pre-match time and who you spend it with.

Many clubs have a fan zone which acts as a natural gathering point for fans of all ages, but this has not been possible at the Kassam Stadium, and not for want of trying.

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Some weeks ago, OUSP approached the Catherine Wheel in Sandford to explore ways in which we could work with them and with the football club to enhance the pre-match choices for fans on a matchday.

The Catherine Wheel has new management in place who are eager to build on their existing matchday family-focused provision.

We have been working with them and with Oxford United, and are delighted that ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s match against Middlesbrough, the Catherine Wheel is hosting a family day.

The fun will begin when the pub opens at 11am. There will be a craft and activity room in the area to the right of the entrance door. This will feature a variety of activities for younger fans (and the young at heart), from activity sheets provided by the club to face painting and the chance to decorate a Christmas card to be sent to your favourite player.

For older fans, you will be able to test your knowledge of Oxford United trivia, with a quiz sheet provided by OUSP. Why not work together to see if you can get all the answers right? There are even prizes!

The Catherine Wheel’s food truck will have their usual offering of excellent burgers, fried chicken, sausages and chips, so you can fuel up ahead of the match.

There will be lots more taking place. We don’t want to spoil the surprise and encourage you to come along and see for yourself.

The Catherine Wheel is at 38 Henley Road (postcode OX4 4YP), less than a mile from the stadium.

Many supporters walk from the pub to the stadium, but if you are thinking of getting a taxi to or from the Catherine Wheel, don’t forget that 001 Taxis offers a discount code to supporters using their app.

Enter the code OUFC001 for a 10 per cent discount on bookings made via their app. (Note that you will need to create a profile, and a card must be registered as the default payment method. For more information see 001taxis.com/taxi-booking-app/).

We are really excited at the potential of this collaboration between OUSP, the Catherine Wheel and Oxford United, and look forward to meeting some of you there tomorrow afternoon.