Didcot charity Play2Give now supported by Oxfordshire FA

Founded in 2007 by brain injury survivor Andrew Baker, Play2Give has raised funds for projects across Oxfordshire that aim to ‘change, transform, and save lives.’

The Didcot-based charity supports children, health, and disability causes, and runs popular seasonal campaigns including Easter egg and Christmas Sleigh2Give toy drive.

Oxfordshire FA has announced it will support and compete in Play2Give’s 15th annual Charity Football Tournament at Wallingford Sports Park on July 12.

A spokesman for Play2Give said: “We are immensely excited to announce this new partnership with Oxfordshire’s very own Football Association.

“Being the new charity partner of Oxfordshire FA really is special, and a true Match of the Day-class partnership, that means that Play2Give can but only continue to grow and thrive, thanks to the fantastic premiership awareness and increase in funds for the charity that this truly special partnership will bring.

“Sport plays a powerful role in people’s wellbeing, such as in many cases improving quality of life, rebuilding lost skills and simply improving mental wellbeing – and so it’s a perfect link-up.”

The charity’s recent work includes funding a sensory room at Oxford Head Injury Services, a named patient room at the John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital, and more than £3,000 towards renovating a bathroom at Sobell House hospice.

A spokesperson for Play2Give added: “By signing up for what is always a very special charity tournament, you will be helping us to make an enormous difference to the lives of so many – from children and families in hospital to those adults living with the impact of a brain injury, enhancing, changing, transforming and saving lives right here across the county.”

Oxfordshire FA’s chief executive Jonathan Duckworth highlighted the connection between football and wider community health.

Mr Duckworth said: “Oxfordshire football already saves NHS Oxfordshire £45 million every year through our support for mental and physical health and wellbeing.

“We have helped to promote the annual Play 2 Give six-a-side football tournament in the past and are hugely impressed by the way in which they support our local hospitals.”

He explained that the partnership will be part of the Oxfordshire FA’s 1884 Club, which focuses on supporting the community through corporate social responsibility.

Mr Duckworth said: “We’re encouraging our partners and others to get their boots on and have fun raising funds at this 12 July 2026 Charity Football Tournament – and join us in continuing to support the incredible work Play2Give does throughout the county.”

The tournament is open to teams from businesses and community groups across the region.