During week two of the summer holidays, a group of 79 excited juniors from Leys CDI embarked on a truly unforgettable adventure—two exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Oxford United Football Club that brought the magic of matchday vividly to life.
Led by the warm and knowledgeable guides Mark Thomas and Dave Brown, the young visitors walked in the footsteps of legends—stepping through the players’ tunnel and out into the heart of the Kassam Stadium, just as their yellow-and-blue heroes do on matchdays. They explored the changing rooms, soaked in the atmosphere from the managers’ dugout, and perched high in the executive boxes for the iconic “prawn sandwich” view.
Among the highlights, the youngsters marvelled at the trophy cabinet that housed the club’s proudest treasure—the 1986 Milk Cup trophy. They admired historic team photos and legendary shirts spanning decades, including tributes to beloved Oxford figures like Joey Beauchamp, Billy Hamilton, and Ron Atkinson—whose names now grace executive suites.
There was also a brush with global football royalty, as the juniors viewed a framed pennant gifted to Oxford United by Cristiano Ronaldo during a memorable friendly against Manchester United—a moment that sparked awe and inspiration.
Beyond the glitz of football, the visits stayed true to Leys CDI’s holistic ethos. Conversations about healthy eating, teamwork, fair play, and self-care were woven throughout the day. And with hands-on experiences like planning tactics on the manager’s board and peeking into cryo chambers used for player recovery, the thrill of football met the science of sport.
Two young voices captured the spirit of the day: Freya, a budding OUFC academy player, shared, “I watch OUFC every week, but this is the first time I’ve ever sat in the dugout and first-team changing rooms. It’s really great—and my friends at training will be so jealous!”
Meanwhile, Jayvahn, a first-time visitor, beamed, “I’ve never been inside the ground before. I can’t believe how big it looks from the inside. It’s awesome! I’m definitely going to come to some games now with my friends.”
With Oxford United’s first home match of the 2025/26 season kicking off against Portsmouth this Saturday, many of these bright-eyed juniors will be back—not just as spectators, but as inspired supporters, eager to share stories and relive the memories with friends, families, and teammates.
A heartfelt thanks to Oxford United FC and in particular Matt Everett, CEO of Oxford United in the Community, as well as Mark and Dave, for making this special connection possible. The day reminded all that football isn’t just about goals—it’s about people, passion, and the power of community.
