Key Points
- Anthony, a 78-year-old resident of the independent mental health charity Response, experienced a dream matchday at the MGroup Stadium.
- The special visit was facilitated during Oxford City FC’s final home game of the 2025/2026 season against Chester.
- Anthony, who has navigated complex physical and mental health challenges, enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour and meetings with club staff.
- This partnership underscores the ongoing commitment of both Response and Oxford City FC to community inclusion and mental health advocacy.
- Response provides essential support to over 350 adults across Oxfordshire, helping them live independently and reducing social isolation.
Oxford City FC(Oxford Daily)May 05, 2026 -In a heart-warming display of community spirit, the independent mental health charity Response and a dedicated resident, 78-year-old Anthony, successfully partnered with the club to create a dream matchday experience at the MGroup Stadium. The event, which took place during the final home fixture of the 2025/2026 season against Chester, offered Anthony a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the professional sporting environment.
As reported by The Non-League Football Paper, Anthony, who has been a resident in Response-supported accommodation since 2020, expressed profound gratitude for the day. Living with complex physical and mental health requirements, Anthony relies on the care provided by the charity to maintain his independence. Regarding the support he receives, Anthony stated in The Non-League Football Paper that “Response is vital to me, they help me with my mobility but also reduce my feelings of loneliness because I’m surrounded by likeminded and supportive people.”
This collaborative effort highlights the tangible impact that partnerships between community organisations and sports clubs can have on individual lives. By coordinating this visit, both the charity and the club aimed to provide a memorable experience that transcends standard matchday viewing. According to documentation regarding the club’s community engagement strategy, these initiatives are a core component of the mission to ensure the club acts as a “community hub full of connection, engagement and significance for all.”
The visit allowed Anthony to engage directly with club staff and immerse himself in the matchday atmosphere. Such initiatives are crucial for individuals living with mental health challenges, as they provide opportunities for social inclusion and positive engagement within the wider community.
What is the background of this development?
This initiative represents the latest effort in a long-term strategy to integrate community welfare into the club’s operations. In February 2025, the club launched “The Hoops Foundation”, a dedicated charitable vehicle designed to champion five core pillars: Health, Opportunity, Outreach, Participation, and Support.
The Foundation was established to replace “Oxford City Sport in the Community”, allowing for a more targeted approach to disability sport, mental health support, and broader educational outreach. As noted by the club in recent public updates, these efforts have contributed to their status as an FA Accredited “thriving community club,” a designation that recognises their ongoing commitment to inclusion and sustainable development.
For the charity Response, which currently supports more than 350 adults in Oxfordshire, working with local institutions is a primary method for fostering community integration. By providing residents with opportunities to engage with local landmarks like the MGroup Stadium, the charity continues its work to combat the isolation often experienced by those navigating complex mental health paths.
How will this development affect the local audience?
This collaboration signals a growing trend of local institutions prioritising social impact alongside their primary services. For the local audience, this development reinforces the idea that sports clubs can function as essential engines for community well-being, effectively bridging the gap between professional sports and vital social support services.
The positive outcome of this partnership is likely to encourage further collaboration between other Oxfordshire-based charities and sporting organisations. For the broader community, this fosters a sense of collective responsibility and care, demonstrating that football can serve as an effective platform for inclusivity. Moving forward, such ventures are expected to remain a vital element in promoting social connectivity and mental health awareness across the region.
