Oxford United are proud to announce that the Club has received two major accolades at the Football Business Awards 2025, recognising its ground-breaking work in suicide prevention and mental health support.
At a prestigious ceremony in London, United’s Can We Talk? campaign was awarded Gold in the Best Fan Engagement by a Club Non-Premier League category, and Silver in the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Scheme category.
The Can We Talk? initiative, led by Men’s First Team player Will Vaulks, launched on World Mental Health Day in October 2024. The campaign aims to tackle the urgent issue of suicide - currently the leading cause of death for men under 50 and women under 35 in the UK - through meaningful engagement, education, and support.
Since its launch, the Club has delivered a range of impactful activities, including an in-person suicide prevention workshop at the Kassam Stadium, which brought together over 200 supporters to learn potentially life-saving information. In February, Oxford United made history by becoming the first football club in the UK to sign up to Baton of Hope’s Gold Pledge - committing to accredited in-person suicide prevention training for all Men’s First Team players and staff across the Club.
The Football Business Awards are judged by a panel of senior executives from across British football and celebrate the work clubs are doing off the pitch to drive social progress and fan connection. Oxford United was nominated in three categories, further highlighting the Club’s growing influence beyond the game.
The judges declared this 'a very inspirational and poignant campaign for the club and a significant issue nationally – tackling suicide. It captured hearts and minds across football and beyond and showed how football can use its influence to provide a positive message and provide support to the community on serious mental health matters.'
In addition to its two award wins, the Club was also shortlisted in the Sustainability category for its innovative approach to tackling climate change through the low-carbon design of its proposed new stadium.
These honours reflect Oxford United’s deep commitment to meaningful community engagement and social responsibility, and the Club extends its gratitude to everyone who has supported these efforts on and off the pitch.
A thank you must be made to those who have helped along the way including Baton of Hope, Oxfordshire Mind, and Joey Beauchamp Foundation.
