Oxford United were celebrating a financial boost this week after learning that a £10,000 sponsorship from the Oxford Mail has been doubled by Sportsmatch.

The Oxford Mail backing for United's football in the community department has gone into a girls evening and after-school coaching programme.

And Sportsmatch, the business sponsorship incentive scheme for sport, were so impressed by the programme that they have approved their own award of £10,000 on top.

United's football in the community officer, Peter Rhoades-Brown, said: "The club's chairman and directors have already put money into girls' football through setting up a development centre, but the extra £10,000 from the Oxford Mail, now doubled by Sportsmatch, makes a big difference.

"It means we can run various girls' football activities throughout the county and provide a big foundation for the sport."

United's youth development coach, Owen McGovern, said: "Girls football is really thriving and growing throughout the county - you only need to go to Court Place Farm on a weekend to see lots and lots of girls' teams playing - and the Oxford Mail backing has helped a lot.

"The funds help the development of the programme and facilities, and in providing coaches."

The Oxford Mail also sponsors the Oxford Mail Girls League.

Said Newsquest Oxfordshire publishing manager Tom Mitchell: "This sponsorship is just a part of our significant contribution to Oxford United, and we're delighted that Sportsmatch are matching it."