One of the city’s great cultural sporting events will return on Tuesday 4th March at The MGroup Stadium, with the return of the Men’s Town v Gown fixture (7:45pm) and the incorporation of a Women’s Town v Gown fixture (4:30pm) for the first time in the event’s 130+ year history.

Embarking on a ground-breaking partnership in the summer, Oxford City Football Club and the University of Oxford have been working closely on a number of projects throughout the season based on research, education, outreach and facilities.

Whilst Town v Gown sporting events have a rich history, in recent years the football fixture hasn’t taken place. However, Oxford City Football Club, the University of Oxford and their Association Football Club (OUAFC) have recognised the importance of this unique event and have worked together to revive and create an event that brings the Oxford community together.

OUAFC is one of the biggest sporting clubs at the University, with strong representation in both the Men’s and Women’s games. Oxford University also holds the unique record of being the first and only university side to with the F.A Cup (1874). Eight years later, Oxford City FC was founded as the oldest club side in Oxford and has a strong association with the city going back almost 150 years. The event on March 4^th brings together a unique Town and Gown heritage and all the money raised from the event will be donated to charity partners of both organisations. A bumper crowd is expected with tickets priced at just £5 for adults and £1 for Under 16’s.

Oxford City Chairman, Andy Sinnott, told us: “It used to be a game we all looked forward to: I played in several of them and they were always really competitive with the University usually preparing for the Varsity game. It’s great to have it back, and also to see the Women’s game generating just as much interest. There should be a good crowd and hopefully it’s something that grows and grows.”

Professor Alex Betts of the University of Oxford said: “It's exciting to be able to revive a fixture with so much history, and to be able to bring the whole community together through football. Our partnership with Oxford City FC has so many aspects and these matches are a great way of showcasing that. I know the players on both sides will be looking forward to what should be an amazing day of football.” 

Oxford University Association Football Club President, Hannah Williams, added: “It has been a privilege to work closely with both the University and Oxford City to watch this event come to life. It is such a pleasure to see the Men’s and Women’s players so involved and excited to partake in the chance to unite the University and community through their shared passion for football.”

Town v Gown fixtures a very special place and legacy within the Oxford community with the first football match between City and the University taking place in February 1895. The University ran out as 10-0 victors in The Parks that day but over the following decades the games became much more even with several players also representing the Town from the Gown, playing for City while studying at the University.

Click HERE to book your tickets.