The work
behind the
comeback.

Raef discusses the youth council invitation to New York, the confidence he hopes to gain and the support Oldham Athletic gave him after injury. He explains that his ACL setback was difficult, and that patience, hard work and being open to new opportunities have shaped his journey. He wants to contribute beyond the pitch while keeping football his main focus.

Automatically transcribed; may contain errors. Please refer to the original recording for Raef’s exact words.

So I've been invited to attend an event in New York as a representative of the United

Youth Council. It's taking place at the United Nations during General Assembly Week and I've

expected to speak and take part in different events involving new people. So the United

Youth Council is an organisation that gives young people a platform to contribute to conversations

about education, health and opportunities for the future. It allows young people from different

backgrounds and countries to share their experiences and have their voices heard by people who

can create change. Nope, not at all to be honest. Initially I was just grateful to be

involved with the conversations and share my experiences and as things progressed more

people became interested in my story and it eventually developed into an invitation

to attend to speak in New York. It has grown into something much bigger than I originally

expected to be honest. Well, it's difficult to fully take in because obviously it's such

a major platform. I'm excited, proud and obviously there's some nerves but I see that

as normal to be honest. My main focus is on preparing properly, speaking confidently and

making sure I represent everyone connected to me in the right way. So obviously I'll be

representing the United Youth Council but I also feel that I'm representing all the

athletic, my family and other young footballers who have faced setbacks similar to mine.

I want to show that Academy footballers can have valuable experiences and opinions beyond

what happens on the pitch. It means a lot because all of them gave me the opportunity

to become a full-time scholar and continue developing after my injury. I want to represent

the club professionally and show the positive work it does in developing young players as

people and not only as footballers. Obviously football involves pressure, communication

and being able to represent your club professionally. I think speaking in New York is a completely

different challenge but the confidence and communication skills I gain from it can also

help me in my football, particularly as I become older and take on more responsibility.

Well, I tell them that one setback doesn't mean that their opportunity has gone. For

me personally, my ACL injury was an extremely difficult period but it helped shape my story

and indirectly contributed to opportunities I never expected to happen. I think you have

to remain patient, work hard and stay open to opportunities outside of your normal environment.

What I hope is the beginning of a longer involvement rather than just one trip, I'd like to continue

representing young people, develop my confidence and use my experiences in a positive way while

keeping football as my main focus. Well it seems a great opportunity and everyone

here with the club wishes you all the best.