Soccer chants net cash for ex-player’s charity
Rob Davidson ( in his Oakwood playing days
A NORTH London Maccabi Sunday league side is recording its own football album to raise money for a foundation set up by a former teammate with motor neurone disease.
Rob Davidson, who played in attack and defence for Oakwood, was diagnosed with the progressive disease three years ago.
His charity is dedicated to helping other young couples who, like him and his partner, were unprepared for their lives being transformed by illness.
Oakwood has recorded club chants for the album, which manager Ric Blank — who grew up with Mr Davidson in Leeds — said was “a reminder of what amateur and Sunday football is about.
“However good we are at football — which is debatable — we’ve always loved singing in the changing rooms or on nights out. It’s a massive part of the club we’ve both been part of. Those songs define our years in London.”
The 34-year-old met Mr Davidson through Manager Ric Blank with some musical pointers Habonim Dror when both were 14. “We were friends growing up and after we moved to London, I told him: ‘You have to come play for Oakwood.’
“He joined with long hair and played on the right wing. As he got older, he lost his hair and went back to defence.
“There are lots of northern boys who play for Oakwood and Rob was an integral part of the team — always very funny and athletic.”
When Mr Davidson was diagnosed with MND, “it was a massive shock for his family and anyone who knew him”. But it had not affected his approach to life.
“What’s amazing about Rob is his spirit. He has always loved life and he still does — and that’s inspiring to the boys. That’s also why he set up this foundation, to help people in times of need.”
Mr Blank forewarns prospective purchasers that the album will not be a musical feast. “But we have a range of chants, including one to the tune of by Rod Stewart. We go round the room singing everyone’s name: ‘He is Robbie, he is Ricky’, and then the chorus is ‘we are Oakwood, super Oakwood’.
“It gets the job done.”