SALUTE TO STARS OFF THE PITCH
PLAYERS and clubs who have gone the extra mile over the past year have been lauded for their contribution to their communities.
Cardiff’s Will Vaulks, Bristol Rovers’ Alex Rodman and Newport’s Matty Dolan were selected as the divisional winners of the 2021 PFA Players in the Community award.
The honour recognises the positive impact players can have off the pitch and is given to those who go beyond what would normally be expected, either due to the breadth of involvement or for the depth of support for one particular project.
The Bluebirds’ Welsh international midfielder Vaulks, 27, took the Championship accolade.
The EFL said: “His commitment to community activities was unparalleled in terms of self-motivated volunteering and passion.
“He has dedicated significant personal time to people in the community and is a strong advocate of the benefits of volunteering for both charitable and mental health reasons.”
Rovers winger Rodman, 34, took the plaudits in League One.
“He is extremely passionate about education and has taken on an ambassadorial role within the club to support current and prospective students of the club’s charity,” said the League.
“His connection with the students throughout the lockdown periods was outstanding and has played a key part in the successes achieved. Alex was also involved in food parcel deliveries and calls to fans in his own time, going over and above expectations.”
Newport defender Dolan, 28, stood out in League Two.
“He has been a committed ambassador for the club’s mental health programme, ‘We Wear the Same Shirt’,” said the EFL. “Matty attended virtual ‘connect and quiz’ sessions over 30 times during the past 12 months. He became known for multi-tasking to ensure he could take part in these virtual events whilst at home with his two-year-old daughter during lockdown.” A modest Dolan said: “If I can help just a tiny bit then it’s my pleasure because it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed.” Meanwhile, six EFL clubs have been recognised as the regional winners of the Your Move Community Club of the
Year award. The ongoing work of clubs highlights the power of football as a force for good in a year when communities have needed them most.
During the pandemic EFL clubs have provided critical support to the communities they serve, from delivering important food parcels to those most at risk to helping people who are isolated and suffering from loneliness.
Outstanding
The six winners have been chosen for the outstanding impact they continue to have in changing people’s lives for the better across a wide range of areas including: physical and mental wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, employability and tackling loneliness.
The super six are: Sunderland (North East & Yorkshire), Blackburn (North West), Port Vale (Midlands), Watford (London), Portsmouth (South East & East) and Bristol Rovers (South West & Wales).
It was no surprise Sunderland triumphed. In the run-up to their Papa John’s Trophy final at Wembley, a special initiative raised over £170,000 for local charities.
The judges were also impressed with the Black Cats’ unique work through projects in partnership with the NHS and their focus on men’s mental health through the #BeAGameChanger campaign.
Port Vale’s Foundation and their response to the pandemic caught the judge’s attention. An unbelievable 300,000 meals were delivered by the club, reducing the serious impact of recent tough times for those in need.
The three players and six clubs will receive their awards at a special virtual EFL Community Awards event on Wednesday, April 28.
The overall winner of both awards will be announced at the EFL Awards, broadcast live on Sky Sports Football the following day at 7.30pm.