Oxford Phoenix appeal for support to fund Oxfordshire Senior League ambitions

A refugee football squad supported by Oxford United is hoping to become the first to field a team exclusive to asylum seekers and refugees in the Oxfordshire Senior League this year.

Launched in 2021, Oxford Phoenix works with city-based refugees and asylum seekers to help them integrate into the community, make friends and develop life skills applicable on and off the pitch.

The 40-strong squad trains at Oxford United’s Bangkok Glass Training Centre on Friday evenings with delivery supported by the Club’s official charity Oxford United in the Community.

It is now seeking additional funding to help realise ambitions of becoming the first refugee football team in the county to play competitively in the Oxfordshire Senior League when the new season begins in September.

The team’s manager Youcef El Barhdadi believes having a presence in a local league will encourage more refugees and asylum seekers to get involved and overcome trauma developed from previous life experiences.

“Many of our players join the team not speaking a word of English having fled to the UK through no fault of their own in search of a better, safer, life away from their families and friends,” said Youcef.

“Football is a tremendous ice-breaker activity. The personalities in the squad today are entirely unrecognisable from those at our first training session almost four years ago which underlines the power of football and its ability to change lives.

“With support from Oxford United, Oxford United in the Community and Asylum Welcome, Oxford Phoenix has become a huge success story.

“But we don’t want to stand still. We have ambitions to play competitively and become the region’s first refugee squad playing in a recognised league.

“To do so requires funding, which is why we’re appealing to businesses wishing to make a positive impact on the community to support our mission.”

Organisations interested in supporting Oxford Phoenix’s ambition to play in the Oxfordshire Senior League can email [email protected].

Funds would be used to cover pitch hire, match fees, travel and additional expenses. The team also has a crowdfunding page which can be viewed here.