The second instalment of Oxford United in the Community’s ‘The Manor Club Extra’ will be broadcast online today featuring its founders Malcolm Elias and Peter Rhoades-Brown

Filmed as part of a campaign to help combat loneliness among older people in the county the eagerly awaited episode will go live at 6.15pm today on Oxford United in the Community’s YouTube channel.

And it is a special episode for Oxford United in the Community, as the guests were the driving force behind the charity’s conception 31 years ago.

Malcolm founded Oxford United in the Community back in 1989 at the Manor Ground. He was joined by Rosie when he retired from playing due to injury who later took over managing Oxford United in the Community. Together they were pioneers of football in the community schemes in the UK – with United being one of the first clubs in the country to launch community-based programmes.

The football club’s official charity launched The Manor Club Extra in partnership with Age UK Oxfordshire and Active Oxfordshire as part of a national ‘Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together’ campaign spearheaded by the EFL Trust.

It replaces the physical Manor Club that saw older members of the community meet monthly at the Cowley Workers social club to socialise and hear stories from United legends.

In the latest episode Malcolm and Rosie share their memories of the early days of Oxford United in the Community, stories from the Manor Ground and their careers in football. It also includes exercise and wellbeing at home tips via Age UK Oxfordshire’s Generation Games.

Since leaving United Malcolm has forged a successful career in football recruitment working at clubs including Swansea, Southampton, Liverpool and now Fulham, where he is Head of Talent ID and Recruitment. He has identified and developed players including Gareth Bale, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Calum Chambers.

Rosie who played for Chelsea and United has continued to work at the club. Alongside his full-time role in the club’s commercial department he is a Patron of Oxford United in the Community and host of the Manor Club.

Alex Blane, Manor Club Extra project lead at Oxford United in the Community, said: “This episode will be a real treat not just for United fans, but for football fans in general.

“Malcolm and Rosie really understand the importance of community and the positive role a football club can play within it and they talk with such passion about Oxford United in the Community. Their footballing memories are highly informative and entertaining and I’m sure everyone will enjoy the show.”

Rosie said: “Everyone has missed the Manor Club at the Cowley Workers club, as it really helped bring people together and created a social outlet for a lot of people. But thanks to the funding and the support of our delivery partners we have been able to continue to engage with people via technology. It was great to get together with Malcolm again and relive some wonderful memories which I hope people enjoy.”

Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in the Community, said: “The ‘Let’s Tackle Loneliness Together’ project is now building momentum and crucially delivering a positive social impact. The second episode captures stories from a special period in our history and as a charity we will always be indebted to the work of Malcolm and Rosie in launching and establishing Oxford United in the Community.”

Oxford United in the Community is the football club’s official charity and helps inspire people to reach their potential and improve their health and wellbeing via the power of football, engagement, and education.

The Manor Club Extra will feature six digital episodes and three printed brochures which will be widely distributed to older people across the county. Each episode of the Manor Club Extra will be broadcast on YouTube and remain there for you to watch at your convenience. The first episode with Oxford United in the Community Patron James Constable remains available to watch on demand.

Visit the Oxford United in the Community YouTube channel HERE.

If you would like to contact us to find out more about the Manor Club Extra project, including details of the shows, brochures or any other supporting events we will be providing over the coming months please contact us via [email protected]