Each season Albion in the Community are asked by the Professional Footballers Association to nominate two players – one from within both senior squads – who deserve particular praise for their attitude towards community work.
This year we're delighted to announce that the respective PFA Community Champions are Neal Maupay and Victoria Williams.
During the pandemic Victoria has been a passionate supporter of Albion in the Community's work, taking on the role of our WSL team's player ambassador for the 2020/21 season.
In this role she has galvanized support from across the women’s team and made significant personal contributions including organising the purchase and creation of generous food hampers from members of the women's squad to help feed vulnerable families.
She participated in an online anti-discrimination workshop with more than 200 school pupils in Sussex, sharing her personal experiences of being affected by racism whilst growing up as a child and challenging pupils to think about different forms of discrimination, how it can affect people and the steps to tackle discrimination.
Victoria also supported the charity's fundraising efforts by participating in the virtual Albion Challenge fundraising event to raise funds for Albion in the Community's important work when other in-person fundraising events had been postponed due to the pandemic.
Neal spoke passionately to more than 200 local school pupils on World Book Day in a virtual workshop about his experience as a child of reading, why it is important to read and encouraged children to find books they are passionate about.
Neal has also donated personal items including football boots for participants of Albion in the Community’s work alongside match-worn shirts to help raise funds for the charity’s work in the local community.
As a senior player Neal led by example during the Covid-19 pandemic by inspiring local children during a difficult time for all.
Matt Dorn, chief executive of Albion in the Community, said, “Every season it is a real pleasure to be able to nominate two players to receive special thanks for the support they have provided the community.
“I have seen first-hand how keen Albion players are to get involved in helping the local community during the past 12 months and it is inspiring to see how players have been able to lift the spirits of all our beneficiaries.
“Despite being limited in face-to-face appearances because of the pandemic we’ve creatively used online meetings and webinars to bring the players close to our community.
“As a senior player within the Premier League squad, Neal has been full of enthusiasm to help AITC and inspire schoolchildren in their learning. Victoria, equally, has been a true inspiration, galvanising support from across the WSL squad and is a fantastic role model to the young people we work with.
“We know how important it is for young people to see and hear their sporting role models talk about their own experiences and the influence that this can have on them as they grow up. Congratulations to Neal and Victoria and thank you to all the players who have supported us over the last 12 months.”