This week, Oxford United and Oxford United in the Community are celebrating the EFL’s Week of Action by shining a light on programmes which make a difference across our county.
For more than three years, Oxford Phoenix FC has worked with city-based refugees and asylum seekers by helping them integrate into the community using the power of football.
The squad trains every week and plays regular friendly fixtures against local teams, with Oxford United in the Community providing a coach to support players’ development both on and off the pitch.
Since its launch in summer 2021, the club has expanded with Head Coach Youcef El Barhdadi – Inclusion Football Officer at the Oxfordshire FA – now working with as many as 40 players.
Furthermore, the club plans to field the county’s first dedicated squad for refugees and asylum seekers in the Oxfordshire Senior Football League.
All the above was recognised last week at the 2024 County FA Recognition Awards at Wembley Stadium where Oxfordshire FA was highly commended in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category for its work to help displaced people settle into the UK.
Youcef said partnering with Oxford United in the Community, Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome has helped take the club’s delivery to new levels.
“Most of our players arrive in the UK barely able to speak a word of English,” said Youcef. “But by using the power of football, they’ve been able to develop skills which can be applied on and off the pitch and are now positively contributing to society.
“Primarily, we want to provide refugees and asylum seekers with an outlet to make new connections and integrate into their new community.
“But beyond that, we want to help them build confidence and skills which will establish strong foundations to live a positive life after a challenging start. We’re very grateful to have the support of Oxford United in the Community, Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome in helping us achieve our goals.”
One player who’s used Oxford Phoenix as a stepping-stone to connect with the community is Merhawi Tedros, who arrived in the UK from Eritrea in 2022.
Merhawi is one of 11 Oxford Phoenix graduates who now plays in the Oxfordshire Senior League for clubs including Marston Saints, East Oxford, Kidlington, Longford Park and Union Street.
He became a member of Summertown Stars in the summer and now plays for the club’s reserve team, scoring two goals from six appearances this season.
“I was so happy to join Summertown Stars,” said Merhawi. “They’re very friendly and nice people, and since joining the team my communication skills with the players have really improved.
“I want to keep playing for the club in the future and see how they can help me become a better footballer and improve my skills off the pitch too.”
Ryan Davies, Captain and Manager of Summertown Stars Reserves, added: “Merhawi is a credit to our club, he’s taken to the squad like a duck to water.
“Of course, initially there was that language barrier, which we expected. But he’s been able to express himself and break the ice with the ball at his feet. Within weeks, Merhawi has transformed from a shy lad to being at the heart of our team on and off the pitch.
“It’s great he’s had the opportunity to develop his game and integrate into our community via Oxford Phoenix and we can’t wait to share the rest of the season with him.”
Organisations interested in providing additional support to help Oxford Phoenix realise its ambition of entering a regional league can email youcef.ElBarhdadi@oxfordshirefa.com.
Funds would be used to cover pitch hire, match fees, travel and additional expenses.
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