Oxford Speedway visit Orchard Meadow Primary School on the eve of the new season!
Pupils at Orchard Meadow Primary School were treated to a special visit on the eve of the new speedway season by professional rider Jordan Jenkins and manager Peter Schroeck.
The Blackbird Leys school welcomed the defending National League Riders’ Champion and Oxford Speedway’s Team Manager who jointly hosted two assemblies for pupils aged 5-11.
Children were introduced to Oxford’s fastest sport via a basic overview of the rules, video replays of previous races and a quiz which tested their speedway knowledge. They were also able to get up close and personal to Jenkins’ 500cc machine and take part in a Q&A session to round-off the visit.
The club’s visit to Orchard Meadow forms part of plans to engage speedway’s ‘lost generation’ in Oxford following a 15-year absence for the sport between 2007 and 2022.
Schroeck said he was pleasantly surprised by the existing speedway knowledge of pupils and hopes to see them trackside when the new season begins this month.
“It was wonderful to meet so many enthusiastic pupils at Orchard Meadow who we thank for being so welcoming and allowing us to spread the message about Oxford Speedway,” said Schroeck.
“A number of pupils had already experienced speedway for themselves during our regeneration campaign, and hopefully our session can inspire more youngsters to get themselves trackside in 2023.
“Children and young adults are the future of our sport. The more U16s we can attract through our turnstiles, the stronger our seasons can be in years to come. We’d like to thank Orchard Meadow and the school’s staff and pupils for their time and look forward to seeing them cheering on the Cheetahs and Chargers this season.”
The assemblies happened with only a week until Oxford Speedway’s 2023 campaign begins at home to Swindon Robins Select in a pre-season challenge fixture.
The meeting – and all other home Cheetahs and Chargers fixtures this season – is free to attend for all U16s and is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29, at Oxford Stadium with tapes-up at 7.30pm. Supporters can also attend the club’s press and practice session from 6pm tomorrow night (March 22) where all Cheetahs and Chargers riders will be on track.
READ MORE: Press and Practice 2023 – everything you need to know!
Laura Deacon, Enrichment and Aspirations Co-ordinator, added: “There was a lot of excitement in the school ahead of Jordan and Peter’s visit, particularly from those who are already fans of the sport.
“It was really interesting for our pupils to learn about Speedway and ask questions about the bikes, Jordan’s safety equipment and what happens during a race, especially as it is now on our doorstep!”
Tickets for Oxford Speedway’s Season Opener against Swindon Robins Select at Oxford Stadium on Wednesday, March 29, are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here.
All U16s can watch the meeting for free and the club will open its pits lane when gates open at 6pm until 6.30pm for fans to meet riders and management before the first heat begins at 7.30pm.
