EFL Community Club of the Year Regional Winners awarded at House of Commons

Six EFL Checkatrade Community Club of the Year regional winners have collected their awards at a ceremony held at the House of Commons to mark their outstanding work.

The awards are designed to recognise the best performing club community trusts around the country, as well as some of the key individuals associated to the projects, whether that be in a participating or coaching capacity.

Following an application process open to all 72 EFL clubs, Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, Charlton Athletic, Bristol City, Derby County and Middlesbrough were all celebrated for their innovative and ground-breaking work across multiple areas over the past year.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by James Marsh/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9456968ad)
North West Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Winners Blackburn Rovers.
EFL Community Awards, Terrace Pavilion, Houses of Parliament, London, UK – 12 Mar 2018

The evening, sponsored by Andrew Griffiths MP, was hosted by broadcaster Colin Murray with EFL Chairman Ian Lenagan and Sports Minister Tracey Crouch just some of those to acknowledge the work of not only the six regional winners, but the club trusts across the EFL.

Mike Evans, Director of Operations of the EFL Trust, expressed his admiration of the work currently being done across all 72 Club Trusts, saying: “Today has shown us a snapshot of what is going on right across the country, highlighting the sheer breadth of work that all 72 EFL clubs and their Trusts do on a daily basis.

“We have seen a variety of projects showcased from the six regional winners, from participants on bicycles and mental health programmes to schemes involving 80 year olds, education and primary school children.

“It has been a fantastic event and only reflects the strength and diversity of applications we have received for the Community Club of the Year process this year.”

Mandatory Credit: Photo by James Marsh/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9456968w)
Yorkshire and North East Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Winners Middlesbrough.
EFL Community Awards, Terrace Pavilion, Houses of Parliament, London, UK – 12 Mar 2018

Chairman of the EFL, Ian Lenagan added: “It is a fitting environment for recognising excellence and we are here today to celebrate the outstanding work and impact that EFL clubs and their Trusts make on a daily basis, seven days a week, 365 days a year in communities nationwide.

“Football clubs have a special role in society, with a unique ability to make a positive impact on the lives of millions of supporters in so many ways.

“There is no other outlet or collective that can deliver the scale of activity we see from our network of clubs across so many important areas – whether it’s innovative and groundbreaking work across inclusion, charitable causes, community engagement, education and health – it is football that delivers.”

Mandatory Credit: Photo by James Marsh/BPI/REX/Shutterstock (9456968i)
South West and Wales Checkatrade Community Club of the Year Winners Bristol City.
EFL Community Awards, Terrace Pavilion, Houses of Parliament, London, UK – 12 Mar 2018

The overall Checkatrade Community Club of the Year winner will be unveiled at the EFL Awards, taking place at The Hilton on Park Lane, London, on 15th April.