Oxfordshire FA has announced a new corporate partnership with Didcot-based charity Play2Give, strengthening links between grassroots football and community fundraising across the county.
Play2Give, founded in 2007 by brain injury survivor Andrew Baker MBE BCAv, builds on fundraising efforts he began as a schoolboy in 2003. The award-winning charity raises funds throughout the year via sponsored events, raffles, stalls, tombolas and donations, with all proceeds supporting causes focused on children, health and disability.
Its seasonal campaigns include Easter egg appeals and the Christmas Sleigh2Give toy drive.
As part of the partnership, Oxfordshire FA will support Play2Give’s 15th annual Charity Football Tournament, set to take place at Wallingford Sports Park on Sunday 12 July. The association will also take part in the event, which has become a staple of the local community calendar.
Play2Give’s fundraising has supported a range of healthcare initiatives across Oxfordshire, including a sensory room at Oxford Head Injury Services, a sponsored patient room at the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, and a recent £3,000 contribution towards refurbishing a patient bathroom at Sobell House hospice.
A spokesperson for Play2Give said: “We are immensely excited to announce this new partnership with Oxfordshire’s very own Football Association.
“Being the new charity partner of Oxfordshire FA really is special, and a true Match of the Day-class partnership, that means that Play2Give can but only continue to grow and thrive, thanks to the fantastic premiership awareness and increase in funds for the charity that this truly special partnership will bring.
“Sport plays a powerful role in people’s wellbeing, such as in many cases improving quality of life, rebuilding lost skills and simply improving mental wellbeing – and so it’s a perfect link-up.
“We are looking forward to the relationship going forward and can’t wait for them to bring their Aside support on the day to our 15th Anniversary tournament, which has become an institution and a popular fixture amongst Oxfordshire’s community and a staple of Play2Give’s events calendar.
“By signing up for what is always a very special charity tournament, you will be helping us to make an enormous difference to the lives of so many – from children and families in hospital to those adults living with the impact of a brain injury enhancing, changing, transforming and saving lives right here across the county.”
Jonathan Duckworth, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire FA, added: “Oxfordshire football already saves NHS Oxfordshire £45 million every year through our support for mental and physical health and wellbeing. We have helped to promote the annual Play 2 Give six-a-side football tournament in the past and are hugely impressed by the way in which they support our local hospitals.
“Through our 1884 Club initiative to help corporate social responsibility for the benefit of local communities the Oxfordshire FA will be paying the £100 team entry fee for all of our own sponsors that meet the £250 Play 2 Give fundraising target.
We’re encouraging our partners and others to get their boots on and have fun raising funds at this 12 July 2026 Charity Football Tournament – and join us in continuing to support the incredible work Play2Give does throughout the county.”
