Oxford United supporters are being encouraged to get behind the football club’s official charity by casting their vote in a regional competition organised by Oxford Bus Company.

Oxford United in the Community is one of 23 charities and good causes that has entered Brand The Bus in the hope of winning an advertising bundle worth over £40,000.

The competition is celebrating its sixth year, and the 2023-24 winner is set to have its branding emblazoned across one of Oxford Bus Company’s brand-new electric double-decker buses.

It’s an opportunity for the charitable arm of Oxford United to grow awareness of its work inspiring happier, healthier and better-connected communities across the county by harnessing the power of football and the club badge.

Chris Lowes of Oxford United in the Community hopes to galvanise the spirit of the U’s badge by making supporters aware of competition and the charity’s entry before voting closes in the new year.

“Our operation exists to provide as many people possible living in Oxfordshire with a positive connection to the football club,” said Chris. “That means tackling important issues locally such as re-offending rates, loneliness, addressing provision gaps and more all via our community-based programmes.

“Brand The Bus is a well-established competition in Oxfordshire, and we feel owing to the development of our programmes and growth of the charity that now is a fantastic time to enter.

“Winning would be a great reward for the team whose commitment has resulted in the creation and delivery of several new programmes and key partnerships which have taken our work to the next level.

“We’d encourage anyone reading this who supports or benefits from our work to take one minute out of their day by voting now and of course wish all other entrants the very best of luck!”

Voting for Oxford Bus Company’s 2023-24 Brand The Bus competition is open now with further information available by clicking here. Public voting will close the day before United host Reading in League One at the Kassam Stadium on Friday, February 2.

Further information about Oxford United in the Community is available via the charity’s separate website – www.ouitc.org.