Pupils from Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Cowley helped spread some festive cheer this week by visiting Oxford United in the Community’s Manor Club for the Over 50s.

The special visit saw children from the school which U’s Head Coach Des Buckingham attended as a child meet with Manor Club regulars and share their experiences of watching and playing football.

Pupils donated a hamper which formed part of the Manor Club’s Christmas raffle on a day where Steve Perryman MBE was guest speaker.

The visit brought together Oxford United in the Community’s most senior Manor Club visitors and junior participants for the first time with the bumper Christmas event supported by the Pye Charitable Trust.

Club legend and Oxford United in the Community patron Peter Rhoades-Brown said: “So much is done behind the scenes to help people of all ages become the best version of themselves by harnessing the power of football and the U’s badge.

“This was, however, the first time we’ve brought younger and older people who engage with our community projects and programmes together and the response was great.

“I know our regulars appreciated the company of our younger visitors who enjoyed talking about their passion for football.

“It was a lovely touch for Our Lady’s to donate a hamper to our Christmas raffle which we really appreciate. Hopefully we can welcome them back in the not too distant future.”

Wednesday’s Manor Club rounded off a bumper year for the charity’s monthly social outlet for supporters aged 50 and older, which celebrated its seventh birthday in August.

Record numbers of people attended events in September and October where Malcolm Shotton and Des Buckingham were guest speakers while over 100 guests bought tickets when charity patron James Constable took to the stage with Oxford United in the Community CEO Matt Everett in November.

It comes shortly after Oxford United in the Community partnered with Our Lady’s to deliver Premier League Primary Stars. The programme uses the power of the United badge to inspire schoolchildren to be active, look after their wellbeing and develop important life skills.

The Manor Club resumes on Wednesday, February 5, from 11.30am at Cowley Workers Social Club. Tickets and a guest speaker for the event will be available nearer the time with all proceeds from the event supporting Oxford United in the Community’s work to inspire happier, healthier and better-connected communities.