FORMER Oxford United managing director Niall McWilliams has been appointed a trustee of a foundation named in honour of U’s legend Joey Beauchamp.

The Joey Beauchamp Foundation launched last month, close to the two-year anniversary of his death.

Beauchamp died aged 50, on February 19, 2022, with a coroner at a later inquest recording that he had taken his own life.

The foundation is aiming to address the ‘pressing need for mental health support and awareness within our community’.

It is looking to drive mental health awareness campaigns, to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour, create support programmes for individuals and families impacted by mental health issues, and engage with local organisations, schools and communities.

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McWilliams meanwhile is to step down from United at the end of the season, having been instrumental in the club acquiring their Horspath Road training ground, plus getting the land deal for The Triangle, south of Kidlington Roundabout.

He said: “I am honoured to join the Joey Beauchamp Foundation as a trustee. I look forward to working closely with the foundation’s team, to further its mission of delivering meaningful projects to the local communities of Oxfordshire, and I am committed to contributing to the positive impact we can make in the community.”

The foundation was founded by Beauchamp’s brother, Luke, who said: “Without Niall’s steadfast support and dedication, the Joey Beauchamp Foundation simply wouldn’t exist.

“His tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life, and I am confident that with Niall as a trustee, we will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Herald Series:

Widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest ever players, Beauchamp is currently 10th in the U’s appearances table and fifth in United’s all-time goalscoring chart.

Oxford-born Beauchamp signed for the U’s as a youth player in 1987, having been a ball boy at the Milk Cup final in 1986, as part of the Oxford Boys Under-15s side.

Having starred as a youngster and attracted the interest of many top clubs, Beauchamp was bought by West Ham United for £1,000,000 in 1994, before a spell at Swindon Town, after which he returned to the Manor Ground to help United win promotion in 1996.

A toe injury ended his career after his final goal for the club at the Kassam Stadium, against Exeter City in 2002.

For more information about the Joey Beauchamp Foundation, and how to get involved, please visit joeybeauchamp.org or contact info@joeybeauchamp.org