The Dreaming Spires project
our Community Pledge
One of the founding principles of the new stadium which will underpin the project from the initial build through to full operation is ‘United With The Community’.
This means the stadium and Oxford United will be an active and positive part of the community, creating a sporting legacy and generating new employment, education opportunities and having a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve.
To reflect our commitment to the local community we have introduced our Community Pledge. The Dreaming Spires project will bring together a number of specific commitments including activities, outreach programmes, initiatives, apprenticeships, local employment and much more.
With certain commitments delivered during the initial build phase and others continuing long after the stadium is open, Oxford United, their construction partners and venue suppliers will ensure everything is done in collaboration with the communities we seek to support, to make sure we address genuine local needs.
The Dreaming Spires project will encompass key core activity, including:
Building blocks
A schools and further education workshop-based programme for those aged 14-18 years old designed to build awareness of how new stadiums are developed and the important role they play in delivering benefits to the communities who use them. In addition, the new stadium will see 20 year-long apprenticeships made available by the main contractors and stadium partners during the projected 2-year period of the build (10 apprenticeships per annum).
Pitch perfect
A key part of the ambition for the new stadium is to help local sports clubs enhance and manage their facilities. Our Pitch Perfect programme will provide funding and additional support to improve and maintain the sports playing pitches at Stratfield Brake.
team mates
As the country faces one of the biggest mental health crises of recent times, the new stadium will see the delivery of mental health focused programmes to Kidlington and surrounding areas by working alongside local community organisations, places of worship and schools.
match fit
A football-led mentoring and education programme for personal and professional development, engaging with local clubs, schools and community organisations to promote participation and a healthy lifestyle.
We will give local football coaches the skills and knowledge to help raise football standards across Kidlington and surrounding areas.
leys legacy
Oxford United have strong connections within the community and, via Oxford United in the Community, collaborates with local organisations and leaders to identify barriers and shape programmes to support physical and mental wellbeing, encourage personal development, and help people to make positive life choices.
The Leys Legacy programme is a commitment that our Training Ground will remain at Horspath Road and many of our community programmes will continue to be run from there, especially those for East Oxford.
Giving back to the community
To celebrate the launch of the Dreaming Spires project the club has launched an immediate £10,000 fund for charities, grassroots clubs, schools and voluntary groups.
The fund will provide ten £1,000 grants to Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and wellbeing programmes.
Schools whose facilities are used by community groups will also be able to apply for a grant from the club, with funds available to support kit and equipment purchases, facility improvements, volunteer training and coaching requirements. Organisations can apply now for the grant and the winning ten will be selected by a judging panel made up of members from the stadium project team.
Those who wish to apply for one of ten available grants should fill out the form below.
Applications must include:
- A description of your organisation, in no more than 150 words.
- What the money would be spent on, in no more than 150 words.
- What winning the competition would mean to your organisation, in no more than 250 words.
The deadline for applications is 23.59 on Friday 12th April. Full terms and conditions can be viewed by clicking here.
