Will Vaulks Named FIFPRO Merit Awards Winner
The Baton of Hope Ambassador has received the Player Voice Award recognising his hard work and commitment to campaigning for suicide prevention and awareness.
Baton of Hope Ambassador Will Vaulks has been awarded the Player Voice Award in the 2025 FIFPRO Merit Awards.
The Oxford United FC midfielder received the accolade this week, which is a global honour celebrating professional footballers who use their platform to inspire meaningful social change. Will has been a massive advocate of campaigning for and raising awareness of suicide prevention and mental health, both within football and much wider.
Will helped launch Oxford United’s Can We Talk? campaign, creating open dialogue between players, staff, and supporters about mental wellbeing. His ongoing advocacy has earned him multiple PFA Community Awards and continues to make a meaningful difference across the football community.
Our Co-Founder, Mike McCarthy, said about the news: “We are delighted that Will’s tireless work has been rewarded on the global stage. He is not only our sports ambassador, but also a friend who uses his celebrity for the power of good.
“His vulnerability in sharing his lived experience of bereavement by suicide is humbling and inspiring and will directly help to save lives. Football is a glue that brings society together through which we can support and educate all in suicide awareness and prevention. Well done, Will – we are proud to stand with you.”
You can hear more from Will about his work around suicide prevention and awareness, alongside the Can We Talk? Campaign in the video below.
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