Oxford United have been recognised for their positive work to support local communities and charities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Chairman Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth, and the club have produced 10,000 face masks that will be provided to NHS workers, local charities and a number of season ticket holders.
Manager Karl Robinson, one of the few people at the club who hasn’t been placed on furlough leave, was helping to package and even deliver the masks, along with academy manager Dan Harris.
Despite being tested in Thailand, having been funded by the clubs’ shirt sponsor Singha Beer, the masks will undergo further tests before being used by NHS staff.
Tiger, who is in Thailand, said: “The staff, the players and Karl are a lot closer than we are, so we wanted to do something to help.
“We want to help our fans and help the NHS and so many people who need the masks right now.”
Robinson told the club’s website: “Everyone at the club is doing their best to play their part at the moment, whether that is calls to fans, volunteering with the NHS, or helping in their local community.”
Sobell House Hospice and the Oxford Vaccine Centre are just a couple of the charitable organisations that have received the masks from the club so far.
It is a difficult time for most clubs all over the world, particularly those in the lower leagues. Having already placed most of its staff on furlough leave, Oxford are one of just a number struggling with the financial implications of the virus.
Tiger added: “It’s not easy because we have no revenue. But it’s not just our club. We will stick together and come through this.”
