Banbury United in the Community scoops ‘unexpected’ prestigious award
The hard work and dedication of Banbury United in the Community has been recognised with a milestone win at the Cherwell Business Awards.
Volunteers pivotal in the Puritans’ community outreach were acknowledged at the prestigious ceremony on Friday, September 18.
The suited-and-booted Ryan Jones, Mark Recchia and Natalie Brown represented BUFC in the Community at the event.
Jones is the community manager, Mark Recchia is a prominent local charity organiser and a volunteer with the Puritans, while Natalie Brown is a director and oversees the women’s arm of the football club.
The Puritans were up against several other wonderful organisations but pipped them to the post, winning the Charity & Community Award.
After collecting the trophy alongside his colleagues, Jones said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win. It’s a huge recognition of the work that our whole community team puts in every single week.
“We genuinely didn’t expect to win, especially with two fantastic organisations in ACE Training & Consultancy and StarterMotor Charity also shortlisted.
“Both do incredible work in the community, so it was an honour just to be nominated alongside them.”
The success comes after a period of significant expansion for Banbury United in the Community, with the programme continuing to expand its range of sessions and its roles with local schools and community organisations.
From PE classes at the Hill Community Centre to Wildcats girls football, summer camps and neurodiverstiy football sessions at North Oxfordshire Academy, the efforts make a world of difference in the local area.
“This award is really for everyone involved in our team, our partner schools, our community families, our partners and everyone who comes along to our sessions and events,” Jones continued.
“We’ve grown massively over the last couple of years, but what matters most to us is continuing to create affordable and accessible opportunities for people across Banbury to get involved in sport and feel connected to their local football club.”
All those involved with Banbury United in the Community are using this award as motivation to continue their excellent operations long into the future.
And, who knows, maybe the team will soon be picking up yet another deserved trophy.