Oxford City players and staff have been hosting inclusive football sessions for CIRB students at St Nicholas Primary School in Marston for the past six weeks.

CIRB stands for Communication & Interaction Resource Base, and the sessions have supported students with communication & interaction needs in a safe & supportive environment.

Josh Ashby and Holly Jenkins from our Men’s and Women’s First Teams have both visited the school over the past month to take part in the inclusive sessions and inspire students.

For the final time before the half-term break, Midfielder Ashby took part in the session, and we went along with him to see the impact that they’ve had. 

James Gilmore, Oxford City’s Football & Sports Development Manager said:

“For the past six weeks we’ve been here (St Nicholas Primary School) every week to help with their CIRB children.

“It’s for children who may have additional needs, and myself and some first team players such as Josh Ashby and Holly Jenkins have come down to the sessions to inspire some of the children to play and enjoy football and show all the benefits there are to being active and playing sport.



Steph Best from St Nicholas Primary School added: “The sessions are really strengthening our relationship with Oxford City.

“We’re a fully inclusive school. School isn’t always easy for everybody, and the inclusiveness and the practice that the players and staff are bringing to us is incredible.

“It’s boosting the children’s self-esteem and it’s giving them confidence.”

“It’s lovely to see the positive role models and the positive impact it’s having on the school.”