Regional Checkatrade Community Clubs of the Year announced

The EFL is delighted to announce that six member clubs are to be recognised at Parliament for their outstanding work in the community.

The six regional winners – Wigan Athletic, Rotherham United, Burton Albion, Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Portsmouth – will be honoured on Monday 6th March at Parliament as the best performing club community trusts in the UK, with EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey, Communities Minister Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth and event sponsor Andrew Griffiths MP all confirmed to speak at the event.

The clubs were recognised for positive work in areas such as education, community engagement, health and inclusion. The six clubs will be put forward for the 2017 Checkatrade Community Club Year Award, which will be announced on Sunday 9th April in central London at the 2017 EFL Awards.

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said: “The announcement of the Regional Award winners, provides a fitting tribute to the work that takes place to transform local communities through the power of football.

“All clubs, not just the winners, work tirelessly to connect with local supporters and I am delighted to see such innovative and effective ideas recognised in this way.”

The EFL received numerous strong applications and clubs were marked on their education, health, community engagement, sports, impact and showcase projects.

The six regional winners were selected by an independent judging panel including The Times’ Chief Football Writer Henry Winter, Football Policy Advisor at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Sam Haylen, Director of CSR at The PFA John Hudson and Sport England’s Strategic Lead for Relationships, Greg Clements.

EFL Trust Director of Operations, Mike Evans, praised the fantastic work completed by all six clubs via the work of their community trusts. He said: “Without question this was the strongest year we have ever had in terms of quality of Community Club of the Year applications, giving the judging panel some really tough decisions.

“All of our club trusts should be rightly proud of their efforts, and for the six selected clubs it’s a tremendous honour to be recognised by Parliament and to be showcased in the House of Commons.

“They are deserving winners and great ambassadors for the work of all EFL clubs in their communities across the country.”

For more information regarding the 2017 EFL Awards, visit the website by clicking here.