In what was a tough day for the men’s team, culminating in a 1-3 loss against Buxton FC, it was the smiles and enthusiasm of our under 11 girls’ football team that put the crowd in a positive mood.

The girls’ squad took to the pitch at half time under the guidance of Banbury United’s women’s team and with the help of the club mascot. They played a 6-a-side match to the cheers of the 659-strong crowd.

Earlier, the girls had collected £170 in charitable donations from supporters for Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse Oxfordshire, a charity dedicated to the safety of adults and children at risk of domestic abuse, as well as for the women’s section of the club. The club was pleased to host Reducing the Risk CEO Dawn Hodson and colleagues on the day.
As part of marking International Women’s Day, which fell on March 8th entry to the match was just £5 for women and £2 for under 18 girls.

“The excitement of these girls taking centre stage on Saturday was palpable. I’m sure they won’t forget the day for a long time,” said Lisa Dixon, Banbury United board director. “Women’s football is growing rapidly. In addition to our women’s team, Banbury United is proud to offer the FA-backed Wildcats introductory football programme for girls aged 5-11, where we can attract girls into the sport at an early age.”

Banbury United’s women’s team, which relaunched this season under the management of Mark Andrews, was given a spotlight at Saturday’s match, with some of the players attending the match and being interviewed on Puritans Radio.