Introducing our new Men's first team PFA Community Champion - Oscar Threlkeld

We would like to announce that we have awarded the Men's PFA Community Champion 2021/2022 to Oscar Threlkeld. His work in the community this season has been above and beyond and we are very grateful to him for promoting our work and helping us within the community.

In October 2021, Bradford City AFC launched the official Bradford City AFC Mental Health Supporters’ Group, which is open to each and every City supporter.

The initiative saw City defender Oscar Threlkeld become the club’s official mental health ambassador.

It is open to supporters and members of the wider local community of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation, the Mental Health Supporters’ Group is hosted by City supporter and former Mental Health Clinician and Associate Practitioner - and current Project Manager for Health - Robert Cranm.

Talking about the initiative, Oscar Threlkeld has said: “There is nothing worse than keeping everything inside you, because it all builds up and has nowhere to go. I do advise people to speak up.

“If you do feel you need to have that chat with someone - whether it is a friend, neighbour, family member or even your manager or a psychiatrist - please do.

“I have had depression before, and have had a taste of how it can affect the brain and, personally, performances on the pitch.

“As a footballer, you come in and train, and your mind is not really on anything else other than football. Then, you go home and are left to your own devices in what you choose to think about, which can sometimes be dangerous.

“The best thing to do is speak about it, so I am pleased to be the club’s official mental health ambassador to try and encourage this, because once you speak out, things become so much easier.

“The Mental Health Supporters’ Group is a great initiative and very important resource for people who feel they need help, and I am looking forward to helping as many people as possible, in whatever way that may be.”

Oscar

Oscar has also supported our online Mental Health course which will be rolled out for staff and Bradford City AFC players in the coming weeks. We want to thank Oscar for his hard work and commitment to helping out the local community!

For more information on how to access these resources, please visit https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/supporters/mental-health-supporters-group/

Oscar will be presented with his award at the Bradford City AFC Player Awards on Sunday 8th May 2022.