Budaieva and Vaulks Win PFA Community Champion Award
Vita Budaieva and Will Vaulks have both been honoured as Oxford United’s PFA Community Champion Award for the outstanding work both have contributed beyond just football
The Women’s and Men’s First Team players have been recognised for the work supporting Oxford United in the Community and various other community engagements they carried across the 2024/25 season.
Will has been at the centre of the Club’s drive to create a zero-suicide society, helping to launch the Can We Talk? campaign and a new workplace pledge which has seen Oxford United staff offered mental health and suicide awareness training.
Vita has been a role model for the younger generation by attending meet and greets across Oxfordshire at the Community’s girls only holiday camps, helping to increase awareness of girls and women’s football in the county.
Maheta Molango, CEO Professional Footballers’ Association, said: “The PFA has once again been immensely proud of the outstanding efforts of players this season and we feel they should be recognised for their support and involvement in the local community.
“The Award will hopefully raise awareness of the importance many of our members attach to their roles off the pitch and highlight their continued commitment to support those most in need along with engaging in areas where they have a personal interest.
“We would like to offer our congratulations to this season’s recipient of the 2024/25 PFA Community Champion Award.”
Matt Everett, CEO Oxford United in the Community, said: “The role players have in inspiring the communities which we work in cannot be understated. Last season Will and Vita were the standout players in this regard, and we are delighted to have selected them for this recognition.
“But they are not the only ones – last season we took players from the Club across the Men’s, Women’s and Academy to community engagements ranging from primary schools to care homes. Every single one was a credit to the Club and had a real impact on our work, so I’d like to thank all of them for playing their part in inspiring people across the county.”