Oxford United in the Community has received a major boost to its ‘Friends of the Community’ campaign, thanks to the support of environmental services firm The M&M Group.
The initiative encourages local businesses and fans to help raise £25,000 annually in support of the charity’s mission to use football as a force for positive change across Oxfordshire.
By contributing £100 a month, The M&M Group joins other community-minded organisations committed to improving wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity through the power of sport.
Founded in 1989, Oxford United in the Community operates independently from the football club, delivering programmes that promote health and wellbeing, education and employability, social inclusion, and participation.
Its latest impact report highlights that the charity delivers more than £973,000 of social value each year, engaging over 1,600 participants across 28 venues countywide.
Rob Fluckigar, Group Managing Director at The M&M Group, said the partnership reflects the company’s values of integrity and community investment.
“Football has a tremendous power to bring people together and create positive outcomes for groups and individuals,” said Rob.
“The work of Oxford United in the Community is a shining example of this – and we’re proud to partner with the charity by backing its ‘Friends of the Community’ initiative.
“Football is about much more than the time between 3.00pm and 5.00pm on a Saturday afternoon.
“For many, it’s a lifechanging – occasionally lifesaving – outlet where people are granted the opportunity to make new friends, enhance their skillsets and develop positive life aspirations.
“We see this first-hand in the charity’s work, and through the release of its latest impact report which demonstrates the significance of its wide range of projects and community programmes.
“Creating shared success for our customers, employees and communities is at the heart of our operation at The M&M Group, and we look forward to playing a small part in the wider work of Oxford United in the Community.”
Matt Everett, CEO of Oxford United in the Community, expressed gratitude for the company’s support and urged others to join the campaign. He said
“We’re far more than a group of coaches delivering holiday camps to schoolchildren.
“Today, we work with people of all ages and backgrounds to help them become the best version of themselves and Friends of the Community is our way of making it easier than before for fans and businesses to support our work.
“We’re grateful to The M&M Group for becoming an official friend of the charity and supporting our ambitions to take our delivery to the next level.”
