Grassroots football clubs in Oxfordshire are launching a new initiative to improve mental health awareness.

The scheme is set to kick off at Kidlington FC on Thursday, April 16, with a pilot session initiated by The Joey Beauchamp Foundation.

Working in partnership with Oxford United in the Community, and supported by the Oxfordshire FA, the scheme also sees collaboration between three local grassroots clubs: Kidlington Youth, Kidlington FC, and Garden City.

The workshop is part of a broader programme aimed at helping grassroots coaches and volunteers understand mental health better.

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It focuses on recognising early signs of distress and responding safely, using the FA’s established safeguarding frameworks.

The initiative highlights the crucial role grassroots football plays in local communities.

Coaches and club officials often serve as trusted figures in young people’s lives.

The pilot aims to equip them with the confidence and practical tools to recognise changes in behaviour, mood, or engagement, start supportive conversations, understand their safeguarding responsibilities, and direct young people and families to appropriate support.

The training is purely awareness and safeguarding-based.

It reinforces that coaches aren’t expected to diagnose or provide therapy but to recognise, respond, record, and refer concerns appropriately.

For more information about the Joey Beauchamp Foundation and how to get involved, please visit www.joeybeauchamp.org or contact info@joeybeauchamp.org and socials links to follow.