Mk Dons Match

Many thanks to all those who turned out to watch last night and cheer on the Casuals.

The evening was a resounding success in a great atmosphere with over 60 players from both clubs thoroughly enjoying the occasion and the added bonus of playing under floodlights. Casuals suffered one heavy defeat and two games were drawn so lots of positives against a very experienced MK Dons squad which included a guest appearance from England Disabled international Chris Holland - currently a member of Chelsea's Disability team.

Lots of hard work to thank from the City committee and in particular the great Casuals coaching team of Andy Bone, Steph Litten, Janet Kidd and Kirsty Kidd. Thanks also to Laura who worked tirelessly keeping everyone 'fed and watered' from the snack bar all evening.

The expertise of club physio Nicole Brooks was much appreciated and thanks also to supporter Graham Cook who did what comes so naturally to him and kept the crowd consistently informed of proceedings over the tannoy. Splendid refereeing by Peter Stimpson all evening was also impressive - not a yellow card in sight!

So Oxford City Casuals are up and running - with more exciting fixtures to follow.

Media Interest

Jerome Sale was down at CPF stadium last night with a camera man to film and interview the Oxford City Casuals during training ahead of their challenge matches v MK Dons next Monday evening (KO 6.30pm now!) - so switch on the telly or set those DVD recorders tonight!

Great interest in the Casuals

The popularity of the newly formed Oxford City Casuals has been greater than anticipated with over 25 players now actively involved just three weeks after the announcement of this team for players with learning difficulties. All credit to the coaches Andy, Steph, Kirsty, Emma and Janet who have made the training sessions so enjoyable.

As a result we have made some amendments to the plans for the inaugural matches on Monday October 8^th when MK Dons visit to play the City Casuals under floodlight.

The evening will now start earlier at 6.30pm and three games are scheduled – one Under 16 game and one Adult 7-a-side game both to be played on a reduced size pitch followed by an Adult 11-a-side game using the full pitch. It promises to be a great night for these special players from both clubs so why not come along and cheer them on.

Admission is free

We are inviting local businesses to sponsor the evening for £100 – please email ctoxford@btinternet.com or call 07817 885396 if you would like to contribute and gain some very good PR.

The resurrection of the old Oxford City Casuals name (it used to be the City 3^rd team over 50 years ago) has also sparked interest from the BBC Today sports team who are planning to film some of the next training session for a short feature probably for next Friday’s programme.