Local heroes from EFL Clubs will be recognised and celebrated for the impact they make in their communities as part of the EFL’s Community Weekends, taking place from Saturday 22nd February to Sunday 3rd March. Across this period, Clubs, managers, and players will acknowledge the vital work that community staff and volunteers deliver 365 days a year, and Community Heroes will be honoured through matchday activities and special visits from players.
Bristol Rovers Community Trust is delighted to announce the five recipients of the EFL Community Hero Award, recognising their incredible dedication and contributions to the local community. These individuals represent the very best of what community football can achieve, each playing a key role in changing lives through their work and involvement with Bristol Rovers.
Meet Our Community Heroes
Bill Hewitt – The Heart of Extra Time
Bill has been a cherished member of the Extra Time group for over ten years and is a passionate Bristol Rovers supporter, alongside his entire family. Wanting to make the sessions even more engaging, Bill went above and beyond by personally donating a table tennis set, dartboard, and other equipment to enhance the activities. His infectious personality and unwavering support for the group have made him a beloved figure among both staff and fellow members.
Costa Chard – A Leader in Mental Health Support
As a key figure within Bristol Rovers Community Trust, Costa leads on multiple projects, including Extra Time Club, Match Day Experience, and the award-winning Rebound With Rovers mental health initiative. His enthusiasm and passion have allowed these projects to grow in size and impact, reaching and supporting more people in the local community. Costa has also empowered participants in Rebound With Rovers to develop their skills and become mental health community coaches themselves, creating a lasting impact on those in need.
Rhys Purnell – A Rising Star in Community Coaching
Rhys is a current BSc. (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development student and a proud graduate of the Bristol Rovers Community College programme. In addition to his studies, Rhys volunteers at the Premier League Kicks project, where he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to engage with participants. His dedication, professionalism, and skill as a community coach have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, as well as those he mentors.
Erin Hussey – A Shining Example of Academic and Sporting Excellence
Another graduate of the Bristol Rovers Community College programme, Erin is now excelling in her BSc. (Hons) Sports Coaching and Development degree. Throughout her academic journey, Erin has consistently achieved top grades, reflecting her hard work and determination. Her vibrant personality and strong work ethic make her a standout individual, inspiring others around her to strive for excellence both in sports and education.
Teddy Pollinger – A Testament to Growth and Determination
Teddy has been a dedicated participant in the Premier League Kicks disability sessions for over four years. A lifelong Rovers fan who rarely misses a home match, Teddy has shown remarkable personal growth in confidence, ability, and fitness. His journey has given him the confidence to explore other sports that align with his needs, and he is a well-loved and highly respected member of the Bristol Rovers community.
Speaking about the initiative, Adam Tutton, CEO of Bristol Rovers Community Trust, said:
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate our five Community Heroes as part of the EFL Community Weekends. Each of these individuals has made a profound impact on our community, whether through volunteering, coaching, or participating in programmes that inspire others. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to making a difference embody everything that our Club and Community Trust stand for. It is an honour to recognise their contributions and celebrate the positive influence they continue to have on those around them.”
The EFL Community Weekends build on the success of the recent EFL Week of Action in November, where the League and its Clubs shone a light on the significant social impact of community work. This work was valued at over £1.24 billion per season, reflecting the incredible reach and importance of these initiatives.
Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, added “Community is a fundamental part of the EFL and its 72 Clubs’ identity. The work undertaken by Clubs has a hugely positive impact on participants and in the towns and cities where they live. Football Clubs are trusted in their communities, helping to remove barriers to accessing support and addressing challenges linked to health, wellbeing, education, and employment. We look forward to celebrating and recognising this incredible work in front of match-going fans during the Community Weekends.”
Debbie Cook, Director of Community at the EFL, said “EFL Club Charities engage more than 1 million people in our communities all year round. To be able to showcase Club community work and acknowledge the contributions of participants and programme leaders – many of whom are volunteers – really highlights the significant role this work plays in supporting local fans and residents.”
During the 2023/24 season, EFL Football Club charities delivered over 438,000 sessions, accumulating more than 801,000 hours of community engagement. On average, each EFL Club provided 6,084 sessions and 11,134 hours of support, demonstrating the scale of their efforts to improve lives through football.
Bristol Rovers Community Trust is proud to be a part of this nationwide celebration of community engagement and football’s power to change lives. We invite all fans to learn more about our initiatives and get involved in making a positive impact.
For more information on EFL Community Weekends and the impact of EFL Club community work, please visit www.efl.com.
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