Over the course of the coming weeks, Oxfordshire FA will be announcing our local winners of the 2021 FA and McDonald’s Grassroots Football Awards.

The awards recognise the hard work, dedication and opportunities created by leagues, clubs and volunteers across the country, with counties selecting local winners following a period of nominations earlier this year.

We’re delighted to announce the winner of the 2021 Grassroots Project of the Year – Wheatley Oaks Football Club.

Prior to lockdown last year, Emma and her partner, Rebecca, moved to Oxfordshire. During lockdown, they decided that they wanted to establish a women’s football opportunity in their local community in Wheatley.

Their sessions are for older women, aged over 35. Through local communications, those keen on getting involved were asked to express their interest in order to give Emma and Rebecca an idea of numbers.

Hoping for between 10 and 20, they ended up having 92 females signing up for more information. Since the sessions started, 28 people in addition to Emma and Rebecca, have been attending sessions during a time when numbers were limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Amazing work to create more opportunities for female players in Wheatley.

Congratulations to all involved in Wheatley Oaks Football Club.