EFL Clubs recognised for outstanding work in the community

A number of EFL Clubs were recognised and celebrated for their outstanding work in the community this afternoon, at the end of an unprecedented 12 months.

The ongoing work of EFL 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.

As regional winners of the Your Move Community Club of the Year, six EFL Clubs were selected for the impactful work being delivered in their respective local communities across a wide range of areas, including: physical and mental wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, employability and tackling loneliness.

Winning Clubs were honoured at a special virtual event - hosted by Sky Sports’ Scott Minto - earlier today, receiving their awards from EFL Chair, Rick Parry.

The 2021 winners are listed below, alongside details of their outstanding work in the community:

North East & Yorkshire – Sunderland AFC

.@SunderlandAFC have been a shining light during the pandemic. ❤️

Here’s why they’ve been named @YourMove_UK Community Club of the Year for the North East & Yorkshire region.#EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/0CYgrJC0nn
— EFL (@EFL) April 28, 2021

North West – Blackburn Rovers

Blackburn @Rovers’ work in the community has been nothing short of incredible during the pandemic. 💙

They’re the North West @YourMove_UK Community Club of the Year. #EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/tUuB6Xk3BM
— EFL (@EFL) April 28, 2021

Midlands – Port Vale

.@OfficialPVFC: a true beacon of hope during the most difficult of years. 🧡

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 is why they’re the @YourMove_UK Community Club of the Year for the Midlands. #EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/MeddmlV9VL
— EFL (@EFL) April 28, 2021

London – Watford

.@WatfordFC: providing a lifeline during COVID-19. 💛

This is why they’re the @YourMove_UK Community Club of the Year for the London region.#EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/hGVDfviOH9
— EFL (@EFL) April 28, 2021

South East & East – Portsmouth

.@Pompey have been named the South East & East @YourMove_UK Community Club of the Year.

A simply remarkable response to COVID-19 within their local community. 💙 #EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/CFJdoOVS55
— EFL (@EFL) April 28, 2021

South West & Wales – Bristol Rovers

.@Official_BRFC have delivered some amazing, life-changing work in the last 12 months. 💙

Here’s why they’ve been named the @YourMove_UK Community Club of the Year for South West & Wales.#EFL | #EFLAwards pic.twitter.com/6lOpQUzxdx
— EFL (@EFL) April 28, 2021

In addition, the divisional winners of the 2021 PFA Players in the Community have also received their awards, having gone above and beyond in their communities.

2021 PFA Player in the Community divisional winners:

Championship – Will Vaulks, Cardiff City

League One – Alex Rodman, Bristol Rovers

League Two – Matty Dolan, Newport County

The overall winner of both awards will be announced at the EFL Awards, broadcast live on Sky Sports Football on Thursday 29 April at 7.30pm.

All 72 EFL Clubs have also been recognised for their collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic by being named as the recipients of the You Gov Community Project of the Year Award.