The PFA Community Champions Award aims to raise awareness of the great support that players provide to their club’s community activities during the season, with James and Telford receiving their awards at Cobham.

Chelsea FC Men’s defender James was nominated by the Chelsea Foundation for his commitment to the club’s charitable causes. The Blues defender has also shown incredible support in the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic, raising money in a bid to eradicate food poverty for the disadvantaged and James has also assisted with giving out meals at a West London school.

Upon receiving his award, James said: ‘I’ve just tried to help out as much as possible. There are so many people that have suffered in the past year and a half.

‘A lot of people have lost their jobs and don’t have money to pay for food, people lost their homes, so it’s hard. I’ve tried to help out and make a difference and hopefully it goes a long way for people.

‘Even when the pandemic is over, there will still be people that don’t have jobs, can’t pay bills and don’t have food, so not much changes for them. We just need to continue and try to make sure we put a stop to it.’

Chelsea Women’s goalkeeper Carly Telford was nominated for her support at a variety of one-off events throughout the season, including a webinar with our Chelsea FC Foundation Degree programme participants. The goalkeeper gave an insight into her career to help inspire students who have ambitions of working in the women’s game.

When receiving her award, Telford said: ‘As players, what we do off the pitch is just as important as what we do on the pitch.

‘It’s been a difficult year for everyone and so it was even more important to help support our community.

‘The Chelsea Foundation does incredible work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. I always enjoy attending Foundation events and being a part of making a difference in our community.’