The way that Women’s football is growing across the city was perfectly demonstrated yesterday as Oxford City Women and Oxford United Women combined for a very special day. 

City Women kicked off at 11am with over 180 people at Court Place Farm to see them take on Woodley United in the Adobe Women's FA Cup.

Despite losing 2-1 there were still plenty of smiles as girls from City’s age group teams came along to join the fun and Launton Girls Under 10s got to lead the two teams out. 

There was then a chance for young players from City and United to play small-sided games on the pitch and join together to showcase the progress that both clubs are making in developing the pathway for young female footballers. 

275 people then watched United Women take on Lewes, also losing 2-1 in a very competitive and entertaining game. 

Aliyah Anthony, Head of Womens Football at Oxford City was delighted with how the day went. 

“It was a great day despite both Oxford teams losing. There were so many girls out there on the pitch throughout the day, and the way the two clubs work together is so important- we both want to be successful but we also both want to help the Women’s game grow, and the best way to do that is for us to work productively alongside each other.

"Seeing so many girls enjoying the game was brilliant to see.

“I hope that everyone who came along enjoyed the day as much as we did.” 

Oxford United Women's General Manager, Gemma Simms added:

"Despite the disappointing results and the wet weather it was fantastic to see so many young girls around the ground throughout the day.

"It was a great opportunity to get players from both clubs together to play some mini games in between the two fixtures.

"It’s really exciting to see two clubs who are working hard to ensure there is a clear pathway for girls of Oxfordshire to play and develop."