Oxford United midfielder Will Vaulks has been nominated for the FIFPRO Player Voice Award, a global honour recognising professional footballers who use their platform to inspire change.
Vaulks’ nomination has been received due to his exceptional work addressing suicide prevention and mental health awareness, both within football and across the community.
Having lost both of his grandfathers to suicide as a teenager, Will has used his personal experience to drive meaningful action and tackle stigmas. As an ambassador for the Baton of Hope charity, he has led the Club’s award-winning Can We Talk? campaign, delivering real impact through initiatives such as:
- Suicide prevention and mental health workshops for supporters
- Accredited in-person training for players and staff through Baton of Hope
- Collaboration with the EFL and PFA to shape a national suicide prevention framework
- Engagement with local schools, pledging to visit 10 across the county this season
- The introduction of a wellbeing ‘check-in’ app for Club staff
In February, Will championed Oxford United’s decision to become the first sporting organisation to sign the Baton of Hope Workplace Pledge, demonstrating the Club’s commitment to improving mental health and suicide awareness.
Nominated for a FIFPRO Merit Award, Will joins the ranks of Eberechi Eze, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Eleonora Goldoni, players who have each made an inspiring and positive impact on the lives of others.
The Merit Awards have three categories, including Player Voice, Player Impact, and Player Activism.
The FIFPro Merit Award winners will be announced at the FIFPRO General Assembly in Lisbon on Tuesday 18 November.
Oxford United CEO Tim Williams said: “Will’s leadership on this issue has been outstanding. He’s using his voice to tackle one of the most important conversations in society, and we’re incredibly proud of the difference he’s making on and off the pitch.
“His passion and authenticity are driving real, tangible change at our Club and across the wider community.
“We wish Will all the best at the Merit Awards and congratulate him for his continued commitment to supporting others.”
