A monthly social event organised by Oxford United in the Community to reduce feelings of loneliness among senior supporters returns next month for its seventh season.
Launched in 2017, the Manor Club connects U’s fans aged 50 or older through guest events where a speaker – often a United legend – will reflect on their memories of the club and take questions from the floor.
Food is provided with supporters meeting on the first Wednesday of each month during the football season at Cowley Workers Social Club from midday. Guests last season included opening day hero Cameron Brannagan, Josh McEachran and Robbie Hall.
Kicking off this year’s Manor Club is former club captain, manager and League Cup winner Malcolm Shotton. The 67-year-old will join Peter Rhoades-Brown on stage to reflect on his time and memories at United before meeting supporters after.
“The Manor Club is a great initiative and I’m looking forward to making my debut in the hotseat,” said Malcolm. “I represented a lot of clubs during my career, but United holds a special place in my heart having spent the best part of a decade at the Manor Ground.
“Sharing memories with those who no doubt stood on the terraces at the time will be interesting and prompt some good discussion I’m sure.
“Seven years of the Manor Club is a great achievement so for those yet to try it next month will be a good time!”
Since the Manor Club’s creation, data from the UK’s most recent census report revealed almost one-quarter (23 per cent) of people aged 50-64 felt feelings of loneliness.
Last year’s Manor Club broke attendance records, and Matt Everett – CEO of Oxford United in the Community – believes the charity’s social outlet can play a small role in reducing feelings of loneliness locally.
“In addition to being a great social outlet, the Manor Club’s primary purpose is to unite older supporters potentially at risk of experiencing loneliness,” said Matt. “It’s not a topic which draws much attention, but loneliness is real with an estimated 3.8million adults in the UK experiencing it each year.
“The Manor Club is fun, interactive and we can guarantee you’ll have a good time in the company of good, likeminded, people and equally great conversation. A big thank you to Malcolm for agreeing to be our next guest and we look forward to hearing his stories.”
Tickets for the first Manor Club of the year on Wednesday, September 4, are priced £7. All proceeds from the event will support Oxford United in the Community’s work to inspire happier, healthier and better-connected communities.
Tickets can be purchased online, in-person or over the phone until midday on Monday, September 2. No tickets will be available on the day, doors open at 11.30am with food provided.