Oxfordshire’s Football Association has announced a new partnership with the charitable group Play2Give.
Founded in 2007 by Andrew Baker, who experienced a brain injury himself, Play2Give gathers funds for projects across Oxfordshire with the aim of improving, changing, and saving lives.
Operating from Didcot, the charity supports work involving children, healthcare, and disability causes, while running popular seasonal activities including Easter egg drives and a Christmas toy collection called Sleigh2Give.
Oxfordshire FA has confirmed it will support and take part in Play2Give’s fifteenth annual Charity Football Tournament, set for July 12 at Wallingford Sports Park.
A Play2Give representative expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Oxfordshire’s Football Association, describing the arrangement as especially meaningful and comparable to a high-profile sporting collaboration that would help the charity expand and thrive through increased exposure and funding opportunities at a senior level.
The spokesperson noted that physical activity plays a vital role in people’s wellbeing, frequently improving quality of life, recovering abilities, and boosting mental health, making this collaboration particularly fitting.
Among the organisation’s recent achievements, it has financed a sensory space at Oxford Head Injury Services, supported a dedicated room for young patients at the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, and contributed more than three thousand pounds towards bathroom improvements at Sobell House hospice.
A spokesperson for the charity explained that by taking part in what has become a valued annual tournament, participants would help make a meaningful difference to many lives, from children and families in hospitals to adults dealing with the aftereffects of brain injury, enhancing and transforming lives throughout the county.
Oxfordshire FA’s chief executive Jonathan Duckworth highlighted how football connects to wider community wellbeing.
Mr. Duckworth pointed out that football in Oxfordshire currently delivers forty-five million pounds in annual savings for NHS Oxfordshire through its promotion of mental and physical health.
He added that the association had previously backed promotion of the annual Play2Give six-a-side football competition and had been impressed by the support provided to local hospitals.
He clarified that this partnership would fall under Oxfordshire FA’s 1884 Club initiative, which focuses on community assistance through corporate social responsibility.
Mr. Duckworth encouraged partners and others to get involved and have fun raising money at the Charity Football Tournament on July 12, joining efforts to back the valuable work Play2Give carries out throughout the county.
The tournament is open to squads representing local businesses and community organisations across the region.