ICE hockey team Oxford City Stars has launched a crowdfunding drive so it can strike out with more community projects.

The club, based at Oxford Ice Rink in Oxpens Road, has set up a justgiving page to raise £15,000 so the club can continue to make a difference to local youngsters.

The club is preparing to launch a full Community Programme next season to inspire thousands of youngsters across Oxfordshire.

It follows the success of growing community engagement this season with schools, junior football teams, cub and scout groups and businesses. Players and the mascot, Comet, have volunteered to deliver inspirational assemblies to children at various schools.

James Clarke, Oxford City Stars club ambassador, said: “The response from youngsters working with the Stars, as the team develops links throughout the Oxfordshire community, is really inspiring.

“We have seen the positive effect this has had on many young children by boosting their self-esteem and providing enjoyment in sport, both by motivating them to play or watch the game.”

The club wants to take its community programme to the next level by visiting schools on a consistent basis and deliver detailed programmes promoting sport participation, wellbeing and healthy eating.

Headington School has already donated a minibus for the Stars to use to carry out work in the community.

It will cost the club £15,000 to run the minibus and employ a permanent community coordinator for the year.

This season the club formed a partnership with West Kidlington Primary School, in conjunction with Oxford construction firm the Sheehan Group.

Stars’ forward Mike Whillock, the club mascot Comet, directors and Sheehan Group staff have visited the school to deliver educational workshops to pupils on recycling, leadership and team work.

During the Winter Olympics hundreds of school pupils watched the Stars for free as part of a community project in partnership with supply teacher agency Class Act, to celebrate the tournament.

Pupils from Long Furlong School in Abingdon, and John Henry Newman Academy in Littlemore took part.

To make a donation visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/oxford-city-stars