Blackpool FC Captain and Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell has been awarded the PFA Community Champion Award for the 2020/21 season. On numerous occasions this year Chris has shown that his role as club captain is to engage with Blackpool FC fans young and old and bring the Club and Community together.
Chris has publicly supported some of the key issues faced by the demographic of our local community during lockdown through the Community Trust. He has given up his time to meet virtually with Blackpool FC Community Trust mental health groups and written letters of support to the older generation of social isolated BFC fans. Chris is a big advocate of education and has spent time talking to pupils from local schools and our own BFCCT Sports College students about the importance of bettering yourself through education.
Chris Maxwell said:
“I’m very proud and honoured to receive this award. It’s an award that I strive for every year, not only to win the award but to try and make a difference, however small within the community. Every player should relish the opportunity to take part in community activities, such as going to schools or, in this year particularly, having Zoom calls with fan groups and organisations to pass on a bit of inspiration or guidance.”
Ashley Hackett, CEO, Blackpool FC Community Trust said:
“It’s always great to get the support of the Blackpool FC First Team, especially when they are as passionate about our community as our staff are. Chris has been great at getting involved with a variety of the programmes we offer speaking with participants young and old from a number of different backgrounds.
“Chris has also had an impact on our own sports college students helping give them an insight in what it takes to be a part of the professional sports industry. This knowledge is invaluable and it’s not possible to get the same experience anywhere else.
“Congratulations to Chris on a very well deserved award and we look forward to working with him and the rest of the first team in the near future.”