In October 2025, Naomi Bedeau announced plans to launch her own non-profit organisation, with the aim of empowering young girls from underrepresented backgrounds into reaching their potential.
Six months on, the Captain of Oxford United Women has been named on the prestigious Football Black List for her off-the-pitch work, alongside the likes of Arsenal star Eberechi Eze and Lionesses defender, Jess Carter.
“To see the other people that have won the awards, I’m like ‘Wow.’,” said Naomi.
“To be named in the same category as those people, and in such a short amount of time since starting Beat the Block, I’m very grateful to have been nominated.”
It’s been a season to remember for the 25-year-old, who joined the Club from Nottingham Forest last summer. Alongside being a key part of Oxford United’s record-equalling run to the Fifth Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, Naomi received her first call up to the Grenada national team - scoring on her debut in a World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
Away from the pitch, however, Naomi founded Beat the Block, a non-profit organisation which aims to empower young girls through education, exposure and sport. Working in collaboration with Oxford United in the Community, she has visited numerous schools across Oxfordshire to deliver skill-building workshops, using reflections from her own journey through education and elite sport to inspire others.
“The first one we go and deliver is the identity workshop, where we reflect on who we are. I do that through myself and say ‘These are the parts of me,’ and hopefully the young girls can do the same for themselves.
“The reason for this is because there were parts of me that I maybe didn’t understand as a child and parts of me that I felt a bit ashamed about. I really want to empower these girls to believe that the fact they are unique and different is a really strong thing and they should be proud of who they are.”
The impact of Beat the Block is perhaps best exemplified through ten-year-old Joana, a schoolgirl who moved from Albania to Oxfordshire three years ago without being able to speak a word of English.
When taking part in a workshop in December, Joana stood out for her enthusiasm and engagement to the tasks. Naomi then invited her for a tour of the Training Centre and to walk out as a mascot for Oxford United Women’s match against Middlesbrough.
“She really inspires me to carry on doing these workshops,” said Naomi, “She told me that she’s the captain of her football team now and she’s asking me for advice. I’m thinking ‘I should be asking for your advice!’”
“She is the kind of girl I want to work with. She embodies exactly the result of Beat the Block, that’s where I would like a girl to get to.”
As well as founding Beat the Block, Naomi is a patron of Show Racism the Red Card and was recently a professional advisor for a children’s football book that champions diversity and inclusion. The Oxford United defender has been recognised on the 2025 Football Black List and will attend the organisation’s annual celebration on Tuesday 14 April.
Founded by Leon Mann and Rodney Hinds, the Football Black List is a widely-respected initiative that celebrates the achievements of black individuals across all areas of football, from players and coaches, to executives and grassroots leaders.
With Beat the Block, Naomi has big aspirations. Recently, she made the statement that she has the target of empowering one million girls through her organisation.
“I’m a massive believer in compound effect and I know the girls that I go and empower will go and empower others. But I would like to say that I have gone and worked with one million girls.
“That might take years to get to but if I could say I have involved one million girls in Beat the Block and had that widespread impact, that would make me feel fulfilled I think.”
A Day in the Life of Naomi Bedeau is out now on OUTV. To watch, click HERE.
