Oxford United has given its support to a Blackbird Leys charity which helps people to lead healthy lifestyles, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals.

Leys Community Development Initiative (CDI) has received a £1,000 donation from a fund associated with the club's Dreaming Spires project.

The project is designed to deliver significant impact across the county through supportive activities as part of United's new stadium plans.

Leys CDI, founded in 1995, works to improve social inclusion and address deprivation.

The charity works with children aged nine to 17 and those aged 50 and older, delivering more than a dozen weekly sessions including yoga, gardening, singing, arts and crafts, Tai Chi, and gaming.

The donation will be used to fund the charity's after-school programmes and provide food for sessions which engage more than 550 people each year.

Kirk Wheeler, charity manager at Leys CDI, said: "Our work is centred around providing opportunities to people who otherwise would be at risk of becoming isolated or simply not reaching their potential.

"There is an outstanding feeling of community at all our sessions which help bring the best out of people and connect those of varying ages, experiences, and skillsets who find common ground through our delivery.

"Funding received from Oxford United will make an important difference to our youth programmes and ensure we can continue to provide food free of charge at selected events.

"We’re incredibly grateful for the club’s support and I know our appreciation extends to participants, many of whom are big Oxford United fans."

The funding boost was celebrated by Leys CDI at a special intergenerational day which marked Black History Month.

A series of educational workshops exploring African culture, foods, plants, and folklore were delivered to visitors of all ages.

Adam Benson, chief commercial and marketing officer at Oxford United, said: "Leys CDI provides a crucial service to those living in the immediate vicinity of our present home.

"A key commitment as part of our move to north Oxford is ensuring the club continues to serve communities in the east of the city through our Leys Legacy scheme.

"We’re really pleased to support such a well-established and forward-thinking charity where positive outcomes are felt right across Blackbird Leys."

Leys CDI is one of 10 Oxfordshire-based not-for-profit organisations that support the provision of sport and physical activity, as well as health and wellbeing programmes, selected by a judging panel to receive a £1,000 grant from the club.

The successful applicants demonstrated how the funding would help them to make improvements and deliver more impact in their communities.