Oxford United surprises Year 6 pupils in a team photo

The students received autographs of many players

Two BBC Oxford United players in yellow shirts sign pieces of paper for a group of Year 6 students. — The students received autographs of many players

“Everyone was very loud, everyone was very excited.”

That’s how a sixth-grade student assessed the mood when her class realized they were being taken to the home of the local football team, Oxford United.

The team surprised students from Pegasus Elementary School by taking them by bus to the training ground to take part in the annual team photo, as well as sign photos and have fun.

The Barakat student said she “didn’t know much” about the surprises awaiting her, but said she was “very excited” to meet the team.

Macy (left) and Barakat said they were excited to meet the players

Two Year 6 students in white T-shirts and yellow Oxford United scarves stand in front of the football pitch and smile at the camera. — Macy (left) and Barakat said they were excited to meet the players

Another student, Macy, said some students while riding the bus became suspicious of where they were going.

“Everyone started cheering, it was really cool… I was really excited,” she said.

“I think it was a really nice surprise and I’m very happy to be here.”

Students joined the players for the annual team photo

A soccer quad wearing a mix of yellow, purple and black uniforms stands in three rows on the soccer field for a photo opportunity. A row of primary school children sit on the grass at the front, wearing yellow Oxford United scarves. They say it's sunny and the sky is blue. — Students joined the players for the annual team photo

The meet and greet wasn’t just a surprise for the children – teacher Laura Deacon said she was also “kept out of the loop”.

She described the students’ level of excitement as “just a pre-Christmas note.”

“They are extremely excited,” she said.

“A lot of us here are big Oxford United fans… my kids will think I’m very cool.”

Head coach Des Buckingham said events like this connect the team with the local community

Wide shot of a row of Oxford United players wearing yellow and purple kits and signing pieces of paper in front of a crowd of Year 6 students. — Head coach Des Buckingham said events like this connect the team with the local community

Head coach Des Buckingham said it was a “pleasant event”.

“Being able to engage the local community and local schools… it’s a really nice touch as we try to connect us more with our community,” he said.

“A football club is representative of the area it comes from and that is certainly the case in Oxford.”