EFL Clubs crown more Community Champions on the second EFL Community Weekend

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The English Football League (EFL) continued to celebrate the important role that their Club Community Organisations (CCOs) play in their local communities this weekend; with more staff, volunteers and participants nominated as their Clubs local Community Champions.

Unfortunately Stevenage’s game against Barnsley was postponed due to a frozen pitch. However, Stevenage FC Foundation’s still took time to celebrate their Community Champion XI, although they will have to wait for their plaudits at The Lamex Stadium.

Pete Moss one of the eleven nominated by the Foundation is a frequent participant at walking football sessions where he first attended in 2016. Just four years later in 2020, Pete was selected to represent England against Welsh counterparts until COVID-19 made him wait until 2022 to finally get his hands on his England cap.

His support for the Foundation extends further than his beloved walking football, as he also volunteers for the charity Samaritans and supports the Extra Time Hub sessions at The Oval Community Centre on a Thursday.

Pete noted “These events have been positive for my mental and physical wellbeing through interaction with new people and taking part in new activities. I consider myself fortunate that my involvement in the Foundation sessions has had such a positive impact on my life”.

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A 0-0 draw for Derby away to Lincoln was not what the Rams fans would have wanted to celebrate this weekend however they will be celebrating one of their own Community Champions, Alex Owens.

Derby celebrated their Community Champions ahead of their last game against local rivals, Burton Albion where they were presented to the crowd and pictured with both captains at Pride Park.

Alex has played football with Derby County Community Trust since the age of 10 where she was part of the Regional Talent Centre set-up. Now aged 17, she’s part of the popular Football and Education programme whilst continuing to represent Derby County U20’s in the FA Women’s National League Reserve Midland Division where her side is currently unbeaten.

As well as being a distinction student, Alex also qualified as a referee in October and officiates on the Female Talent Pathway fixtures every Saturday. As well as giving her time to support these fixtures, she regularly volunteers as a coach on a Friday evening at the ETC helping to inspire the next generation of female footballers.

 

Another fixture in League One where Wigan’s Thelo Aasgaard scored the only goal in their game against Reading to secure his side three points.

With three points being celebrated at the DW Stadium, the Lactics also had Dennis Heaton to honour ahead of kick off as he was chosen as their Community Champion.

Dennis has Parkinson’s disease and is a member of Wigan Athletics’ Community Trust’s Extra Time Hub programme.
The Extra Time Hub aims to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst over 55’s with the weekly sessions allowing participants to enjoy their retirement years, remain active and meet new people.

Since joining the sessions, Dennis has gone from strength to strength and gained a new lease on life. Dennis has taken on several challenges, including learning to rock climb, flying a plane and taking on the world’s longest zipline to raise over £1,000 to support the work of Wigan Athletic Community Trust.

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Plymouth Argyle almost had their fans worried after they conceded early on in their Championship fixture with Cardiff City who sit four points ahead of Argyle however a Ryan Hardie double and a late Morgan Whittaker goal earnt a comeback win at Home Park.

Argyle’s Community Heroes attended Home Park as special guests on Saturday, and were presented with a bespoke framed shirt, referencing their incredible commitment and hard work to the community.

Alec is Cornish born but Argyle through and through and has held multiple roles with the Club and Trust across his long and proud career. A career which has spanned decades and began with Alec running the Argyle youth team and Centre of Excellence, supporting and mentoring local young people in football.

Alec became involved in the Trust when the EFL introduced the original Community Scheme, and he has dedicated the last 25 years leading ‘Matchday Magic’ at Home Park Stadium – a matchday provision inspiring local young people and creating the next generation of the Green Army.

Al’s passion for the club and professionalism has made him a firm favourite at Argyle and within the city.

Argyle Community Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Lovell said: “We are extremely grateful for the incredible work of our community heroes and the commitment they show. This is a great opportunity to honour them and celebrate these special people, people I am proud to have worked with and to call my friends.

“We are delighted to welcome them as guests of honour in front of a sold-out Home Park and give them the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication.”

 

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