WELCOME to a weekly feature in conjunction with the Oxford United fan groups OxVox and Oxford United Supporters’ Panel (OUSP), as we hear from them throughout the summer on all manner of U’s matters.

We’ll be getting views from the two groups on a range of subjects, including topics on and off the pitch.

Those may include the summer transfer window, hopes and ambitions for the 2023/24 season, favourite moments following United, and the ongoing stadium project.

This week, we caught up with OxVox representative Michelle Young to discuss women in football, what it means to be united and how you can help make a difference.

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WITH the new season approaching, there’s a buzz in the air. Will this one be the one? Can the signings make the difference? Lots of questions and thoughts but maybe one we should be adding to this is ‘can we be more united’? We know we are United, but can we be more united? Let me explain.

Women at football. Women in football. It’s not that long ago that both would be unheard of.

However, I think we all enjoyed seeing Oxford United Women’s success last year – it often provided the season’s highlights in a year where the men struggled.

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I know many fans that went along to watch OUWFC for the first time last season and came away suitably impressed. Let’s be united and keep supporting them – let’s not forget them when (I hope!) the men’s team get results again.

OUWFC are still there and still want our support. We are one club.

I also live in hope that the new stadium is approved and we get to see the women’s team playing in the same stadium and on the same pitch as the men and the youth team. It’s ridiculous that they can’t all share a pitch now.

Not all women in football are on the pitch either. Some are behind the scenes in significant roles such as our head of medical Amy Cranston or club secretary Vanessa Gomm. Others contribute in different ways – check out the OxVox committee or the Oxford United Supporters’ Panel to see examples of how we can be united.

But that’s just one ‘minority’ and there is more we can all do. All groups of non-stereotypical fans receive comments or looks on occasion – whether it’s based on your sex, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, age, religion or anything else that can be used to marginalise.

Ultimately we are all people whatever shape, size, colour or preference we have. Prejudice is not unique to football but reflects the bigger world in which we live.

We are all trying but we can all do more. Let’s be different. Let’s be welcoming. Let’s lead the way.

We all have a role to play and can contribute at varying levels. So if you consider yourself in a minority of any kind, think about whether you can get involved and create improvement.

You might not have lots of time but all time is valuable and worthwhile – it all counts. Can you represent? Can you help make improvements? Keep us united.

Get involved now so you can play a role in the new stadium and help guide the club.

The new stadium is expected to offer a unique opportunity to add great facilities to all residents, young and old, and whatever their background and interests. Become a part of the process to ensure that it does.

Get involved now, contact the stadium team at newstadium@oufc.co.uk, OxVox (email enquiries@oxvox.org.uk ), or the Supporters’ Panel, and help make a difference.

We are one. We are united. We are Oxford United. #COYY