An Oxfordshire fire station became the new training grounds for Oxford United FC last Wednesday.
Players teamed up with local firefighters at Didcot’s fire station for a series of physical agility tests.
It turns out the teams have a lot in common with firefighters and footballers needing strong communication on the pitch and at scenes.
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Rob MacDougall, chief fire officer at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "This is is the first of a number of initiatives planned for coming months. We’re going to be working closely with Oxford United to bring firefighters and footballers closer together to understand each other’s role and discuss the benefits of tolerance, showing how diverse communities can thrive, and taking a strong stance against discrimination.”
Charlotte Stacy, on-call firefighter, believes that there is a role model element in both being a footballer and a firefighter, and they both playing an important part in the community to set an example of teamwork, communication and inclusivity.
She said: “I’m chair of our LGBT network and we’ve had a chat about how it feels in the changing room when a person carries something that is different. I think there is a role model element in being a footballer and a firefighter, or being a public servant, we are all in the public’s eye.”
Before starting the tests she was worried about how the players performance when out of their comfort zone.
She said: “I thought, I’m not in a football field, and I’m not hearing that sort of conversation from the ground. But eventually, the communication started. I’ve really enjoyed listening to their communications skills coming in the course of the morning.”
The drills are part of the National Fire Service Entrance Test used to deduce if somebody is physically fit and capable of being a firefighter.
They included: ladder lift, confined space, equipment assembly, equipment carry test, and casualty ‘drag’ evacuation test.
After taking part in some of the tests, George Franklin, midfielder, realised that there is more to being a firefighter than just body strength, he said: “People think it is quite a lot of physical activity, and it is, but there are also a lot of mental challenges, and you have to push yourself through them.”
Dan Harris, academy manager, explained that they brought their first year’s scholars to experience the reality of what it takes to become a firefighter and to have the opportunity to see the world from a different angle.
He said: “There is one professional football club in Oxfordshire, and we have a responsibility to make sure we are doing everything that we can to raise awareness of the great work that gets done across the community, but also to support and resource it.”
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