Oxford United Offers Free Suicide Prevention Training to Grassroots Clubs

Oxford United are extending their suicide prevention work beyond their own fanbase, offering free accredited training to grassroots football clubs across Oxfordshire. The initiative, launching to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, is funded by former Oxford United player and Can We Talk? co-founder Will Vaulks, and delivered in partnership with the Oxfordshire FA.

The training gives club volunteers and staff practical tools to recognise when someone might be struggling and to help build a safer environment around their club. Extending it through the Oxfordshire FA means the reach goes well beyond Oxford United's own supporters and into grassroots football more broadly, exactly the kind of setting where early, informal support can matter most.

Beyond grassroots clubs, Oxford United are also looking to build a stronger support network among their own fanbase, with an initial 100 Season Ticket holders being sought to take part. Each supporter who signs up receives a free 40-minute training session, delivered by the club's suicide prevention partner Baton of Hope, covering the basics of suicide awareness, the right language to use, and how to recognise when someone may be struggling. 

It's the latest step in a campaign that has already made Oxford United the first football club in the country to sign Baton of Hope's Workplace Pledge and introduce a suicide prevention check-in app for players and staff. Over 100 staff and 60 first-team and academy players have received training to date, and the club has run workshops with local schools, RAF Brize Norton and the University of Oxford.

Campaign co-founder Ryan Maher said the funding ensures the work continues even as its original driving force moves on. "None of this happens without Will," he said. "Suicide is still the biggest killer of under-50s in this country, and that's exactly why the club has a duty to continue to act." He added that bringing in the Oxfordshire FA and other local organisations strengthens the wider safety net for the whole community, not just Oxford United's own fans.

Oxford United's approach is a useful template for other clubs looking to implement meaningful mental health support: partner with specialists rather than trying to build expertise from scratch, extend training beyond your own immediate circle, and treat it as an ongoing commitment rather than a single campaign.

Help is out there. Whether you're struggling, worried about someone else, or simply want to know more, support is always available. Samaritans are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.