Oxford United will provide £10,000 in grants as part of a new community initiative connected with proposals for their new stadium.
The Dreaming Spires project aims to bring improvements to Oxfordshire through a variety of programmes and initiatives.
Plans include work experience and career opportunities for students and young professionals, along with mental health support programmes, mentoring, and educational outreach.
The club is also committing to upgrade sports pitches at Stratfield Brake and has assured that the its training ground will remain at Horspath Road, with the majority of community programmes run from there.
To kickstart the initiative, Oxford United is launching a £10,000 fund for charities, school, grassroot clubs, and voluntary groups.
Known as the community giving-back fund, 10 £1,000 grants will be awarded to not-for-profit organisations in Oxfordshire.
These organisations must support the provision of sport and physical activity as well as health and wellbeing programmes.
Adam Benson, chief commercial and marketing officer at Oxford United, said: "The Dreaming Spires project will ensure the proposed new stadium has a hugely positive impact on our local communities.
"It's a significant and exciting plan, and if this stadium goes ahead, will allow Oxford United to play an invaluable role in creating a better future for Oxfordshire.
“To demonstrate our commitment, we’re proud to launch our community giving-back fund competition which will help 10 local good causes deliver more impact."
He encouraged organisations, clubs and schools to take part in the contest and emphasised the transformational potential of the new stadium.
The Dreaming Spires project consists of five core elements which prioritise opportunity, accessibility, people’s mental wellbeing, development and legacy.
The five schemes under this project are Building Blocks, Pitch Perfect, Team Mates, Match Fit, and Leys Legacy.
All these initiatives will be executed during the stadium's construction phase.
Mr Benson added: "By working closely with the club’s construction partners, venue suppliers, and Oxford United in the Community, every aspect of Dreaming Spires will be delivered in collaboration with the very communities this project will support.
"The positive influence the club’s new stadium will have on local people will stretch far beyond the arena itself.
"Our £10,000 community fund and the Dreaming Spires project demonstrates this and will deliver numerous benefits."
Organisations interested in competing for one of the 10 available grants can apply online, stating their name and contact details, and their organisation's profile.
The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Friday April 12.
More details about the Dreaming Spires project and the community giving-back fund can be found on the project’s website.
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