OXFORD United has unveiled the ten winners that will benefit from its £10,000 community giving back grants.

The fund was created to launch Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires project which is designed to deliver significant positive impact across the county through activities and outreach programmes as part of the club’s new stadium delivery.

Ten Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and well-being programmes, were selected by a judging panel. The successful applicants demonstrated how the grants would help them make improvements and deliver more impact in our communities.

The winners 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 be used to fund a number of different projects, ranging from providing new kits and equipment to improving 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.

“It was a challenging task selecting the recipients from so many fantastic causes that entered. 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’re looking forward to seeing each project come to life. 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 includes a variety of initiatives such as work experience, apprenticeship and employment opportunities for students and young professionals, plus mental health support programmes, mentoring and education.

In addition, the club is committed to improving and maintaining the sports playing pitches at Stratfield Brake and to ensuring the club’s training ground will remain at Horspath Road with many of their community programmes continuing to run from there.

Kirk Wheeler, Charity Manager of Leys Community Development Initiative, 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 local 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, said:

“We’re so pleased to have been selected to win one of the Dreaming Spires community giving-back grants. 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. This recognition is particularly special to us, and we’d like to say a big thank you to the club.”

Richard Hague, Vision Committee Chair of Kidlington Youth FC, said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the generous grant by Oxford United. We recently installed a new kitchen and this funding boost will enable us to modernise our catering equipment and provide a wider variety of food and refreshments to suit individual tastes, beliefs and allergies. This is integral to the club’s ethos of being an inclusive community-led grassroots football club.

“We look forward to developing our relationship with Oxford United over the coming years for the benefit of the Kidlington community.”

The Dreaming Spires project consists of five core elements which prioritise opportunity, accessibility, people’s mental wellbeing, development and local legacy.

The commitments will be rolled out during the stadium’s initial construction phase, with lasting pledges forming a key part of the venue’s operation once open to help address genuine local needs. Positive impact work has already commenced in some key areas.