Oxford United in the Community (OUitC) and Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT) continue to play an active role in engaging supporters through the ‘Match Day Watch-a-long’s’ as part of the ‘Tackling Loneliness Together’ EFL Trust project.
A recent study from the Office National Statistics (ONS) showed that, of the people who said they have felt lonely over past seven days, only 56.7% said they felt they could get support from their community should they need it. Furthermore, only 66.3% of the British population felt they could get support from their community.
The funding given, to both clubs, from the Department of Digital Culture and Media (DCMS) and English Football League Trust (EFLT), is vital in changing those figures and increase the support that both Club Community Organisations can offer to their relevant communities. As part of this project, both organisations will work in partnership to provide a social area for both sets of supporters for the match between the two sides on Saturday 20th March.
OUitC and BFCCT are looking forward to bringing together both sets of supporters, over the age 65, to engage in watching the match together on iFollow as one. Supporters are encouraged to chat from the comfort of their own match day home set-up, via Zoom, and discuss the big game, as well as stories and memories from matches past and present. Half time makes way for a short guest appearance and opportunity to ask those questions you’ve always wanted to ask a professional player.
Following on from our Tackling Loneliness Together programme, it is great that we can once again engage some of our community members in activity that directly links with the club, too. Nathan Davies at Blackpool FC Community Trust. “A huge thanks to Oxford who have led this unique initiative. Our staff and participants look forward to virtually meeting up for the coming fixture to try to replicate some of the match day feel that has been missing for far too long”.
If you would like to find out more about the ‘Tackling Loneliness Together Projects’ or what both Club Community Organisations are doing please visit www.ouitc.org and www.bfcct.co.uk, where you will find ways to contact and get involved.
