Goals aplenty in inclusion team’s first A420 derby

30th January 2025

Goals were aplenty on Saturday when Oxford United in the Community’s inclusion football squad travelled to Swindon for the first time since the club was formed two years ago.

The team visited Foundation Park to play the Robins’ learning disability squad, which had never participated in a competitive fixture before the weekend.

Fourteen players from the charity’s inclusion team, which is delivered in partnership with Abingdon and Witney College, made the 30-mile trip across the A420 for a closely contested game of 20-minute halves.

Both teams struck the back of the net, but it was Oxford who came out on top in a well-spirited match which saw players pose for photographs together after the full-time whistle.

The match was the first recognised game between Oxford and Swindon teams made up of players with a learning difference.

Mark Thomas, Social Inclusion Lead at Oxford United in the Community, said: “It was a great experience for our players to visit another venue this season and play against likeminded people they hadn’t met before kick-off.

“The atmosphere on the day and spirit between both teams perfectly demonstrated why opportunities of this kind are so important to those who live with a learning difference.

“Of course, our players were buzzing after full-time having won the game. But more significantly the day marked the first competitive match for Swindon’s disability squad, and we hope to organise more games of this type in the not too distant future.”

Anyone living with a learning difference who wishes to join Oxford United’s inclusion football squad can email inclusion@oufc.co.uk for more details. Sessions take place every Wednesday during term time at Abingdon and Witney College’s Abingdon campus in the sports hall from 12.30pm and run for 90 minutes.

The expansion of the inclusion programme and additional fixtures have been made possible thanks to the SkyBet EFL Building Foundations Fund. More than £650,000 has been awarded to over 60 EFL club charities in March, including Oxford United in the Community.

“No previous playing experience is necessary,” said Mark. “We’re fortunate to have grown the team so players can be split into yellow and blue groups meaning training is tailored depending on ability levels.

“We’re already planning additional fixtures in 2025 so if you or someone you know would like to be part of the team then we’d love to hear from you.”

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