A new grassroots football initiative aimed at improving mental health awareness within football will launch in Oxfordshire this April, bringing together clubs, community organisations and governing bodies.

The pilot session, hosted at Kidlington FC on Thursday 16 April 2026, is being delivered by The Joey Beauchamp Foundation in partnership with Oxford United in the Community, with support from Oxfordshire FA. It also marks a further collaboration between three grassroots clubs in the area, Kidlington Youth, Kidlington FC and Garden City.

The workshop forms part of a wider programme designed to support grassroots coaches and volunteers working with children and adults to better understand mental health, recognise early signs of distress, and respond safely using trusted organisations and the established FA safeguarding frameworks.

Supporting Coaches at the Heart of the Game

Grassroots football plays a vital role in local communities, with coaches and club officials often acting as trusted adults in young people’s lives. The pilot aims to equip these groups with the confidence and practical tools to:

● Recognise changes in behaviour, mood or engagement
● Start supportive, age-appropriate conversations
● Understand their safeguarding responsibilities
● Signpost young people and families to appropriate support

The training is explicitly awareness and safeguarding-based, reinforcing that coaches are not expected to diagnose or provide therapy, but to recognise, respond, record and refer concerns appropriately.

Funded Through the Joey Beauchamp Legacy Fund

The pilot is supported by the Joey Beauchamp Legacy Fund, established by The Joey Beauchamp Foundation to deliver long-term, sustainable impact in mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
The Fund is designed to act as a catalyst for community-based initiatives, enabling collaboration across football and wider sectors, while supporting early intervention and education in trusted environments such as grassroots clubs.

It aligns with Joey’s own journey through local football and beyond to signpost the options available at each stage of the mental health pathway, which is something integral to our commitment to his memory.

This pilot represents one of the first practical applications of the Legacy Fund, helping to explore how mental health awareness can be embedded sustainably within grassroots football settings.

A Collaborative Approach Across Oxfordshire

The initiative brings together key organisations across the local football landscape, with a shared ambition to strengthen support for young people through the game.
Subject to evaluation and available resources, the pilot could inform future training opportunities and a broader rollout across additional clubs in Oxfordshire.

Quotes

The Joey Beauchamp Foundation “Joey’s Journey saw him follow the Grassroots football pathway at various stages of his life and it seems apt to use this as a template for how we deliver our objects and purpose. This includes the delivery of signposting, resources and treatment by mental health professionals when appropriate to the football community. This Pilot is the first stage in a much bigger plan to break down barriers, set up procedures, increase awareness and support people in assisting those who need to know where to turn. We want Joey’s legacy to include early intervention, training and support using Grassroots football as a platform for change” Luke Beauchamp TJBF

Oxford United in the Community “At Oxford United in the Community, our focus is on using the power of football to positively impact lives across Oxfordshire, particularly for young people and those who may be vulnerable. This pilot reflects exactly what community football can achieve — creating safe, supportive environments where conversations around mental health are encouraged and understood. We are proud to be working in partnership with the Joey Beauchamp Foundation and Oxfordshire FA to deliver this initiative, and to see jointly raised funds through the Joey Beauchamp Legacy Fund being used to support meaningful, preventative work at grassroots level. It is a powerful example of how collaboration across the football community can help reach people beyond the pitch and make a lasting difference.” Matt Everett OUITC

Oxfordshire FA “Joey Beauchamp was a terrifically talented player who is fondly remembered as a local footballing legend by everyone at the Oxfordshire FA. All of our youth clubs and leagues have dedicated volunteer Welfare Officers who do wonderful things and signpost their members to the wellbeing hub on our website which provides specialist advice and resources for anyone who might benefit from them - including the Joey Beauchamp Foundation which we wholeheartedly support. Oxfordshire football saves NHS Oxfordshire £45 million every year through promoting mental and physical health and wellbeing. Everyone struggles with something at some point. Our collaboration in collectively delivering these Mental Health Awareness Pilots is another positive and proactive step forward in that strategic partnership approach through the power of football to sustainably help improve lives.” Jonathan Duckworth OFA

Kidlington FC “We stand together. At Kidlington FC, we know the toughest battles aren’t always fought on the pitch. That’s why we are proud to stand in solidarity with the Joey Beauchamp Foundation to tackle the stigma around mental health in grassroots football. In our community, no teammate ever plays the game alone. Because football is more than just 90 minutes—it’s about looking out for your mates. One community. One goal.’’ Daniel Burrows KYFC

Kidlington Youth “Kidlington Youth FC are delighted to be invited to take part in the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Initiative, delivered by the Joey Beauchamp foundation. Awareness on this topic is much needed and improving, however further growth is required to support coaches, players, and club members alike. The Joey Beauchamp Foundation is particularly meaningful to us as several family members and close friends of Joey represent KYFC. We look forward to the event and the continued relationship between the foundation and our club”. Warren Jones- KYFC

Garden City FC “Garden City FC are keen to join this initiative, to help our coaches and committee members support players and their carers. This will provide guidance in recognising the potential signs of difficulties and how to direct people to help if needed, and we’re pleased to join with other clubs within our community in benefitting from the work of the Joey Beauchamp Foundation.” Andrew Darley GCFC

Looking Ahead
The pilot workshop is part of a phased and partnership-led approach, designed to learn, adapt and build a sustainable model for mental health awareness within grassroots football.
By placing coaches and volunteers at the centre of the approach, the initiative aims to help create football environments where young people feel supported — both on and off the pitch.
To enquire about hosting a further pilot, supporting the Joey Beauchamp Legacy Fund or joining our list of sign posted services please contact us.

Notes to Editors

● The workshop is a 2-hour mental health awareness session for grassroots coaches, officials and volunteers.
● Grassroots football includes youth and adult clubs below professional level.
● The training focuses on awareness, safeguarding and signposting, not clinical intervention.
● The Joey Beauchamp Legacy Fund supports preventative mental health initiatives, education and early intervention in community settings.
● Future rollout is subject to evaluation, partner capacity and funding to produce a Mental Health Framework in Grassroots Football Clubs and Club Mental Health Officers 2026 ©

About the Joey Beauchamp Foundation

The Joey Beauchamp Foundation is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting mental health and associated social issues within the community.
Named in honour of former Oxford United player Joey Beauchamp, the Foundation strives to make a positive impact through awareness, support, and community engagement. The foundation is dedicated to working in partnership with Oxford United Football Club and Oxford United in the Community (OUITC), the club’s charitable arm for mental health.
For media inquiries, please contact: info@joeybeauchamp.org