Liam Cullen and Jess Williams named PFA Community Champions for 2023-24
Swansea City AFC Foundation has named Liam Cullen and Jess Williams as their PFA Community Champions for the 2023-24 season.
The award aims to highlight players who have made work within communities and for good causes central to their role as a footballer.
Men's striker Cullen helped to support the Foundation’s 'Big Sleep Out', visiting Matthew’s House before the event that would go on to raise £28,1912 for the homelessness charity as well as the Foundation.
The forward also helped spread important messages on mental health awareness, sharing advice and his own story to help support those who may be struggling.
Women's defender Williams, meanwhile, has been a regular supporter of the Foundation’s commitment to girls' football, attending multiple girls' Soccer Camps and girls' only football sessions.
Williams was also part of a visit to patients on the children’s ward at Morriston Hospital over Christmas, helping to deliver toys, donated by the club, as well as selection boxes to bring some festive cheer.
The awards were presented ahead of Swansea City's final Championship fixture of the season against Millwall, by head of Foundation Paul France and PFA community liaison executive Scott Walker.
Walker was delighted to see Swansea City players representing the club so prominently in the community, and believes their platform means they have an important role to play.
“The PFA Community Champion award gives recognition to players that have gone above and beyond to amplify the voice of the community and give back,” said Walker.
“It recognises that, if you give back, you inspire the next generation and you connect people to the club forever.
“Having local players like Liam [Cullen] and Jess [Williams] collecting these awards just shows it’s in the blood and that if you are connected to a club from an early age, and are lucky enough to represent them, then you are ultimately giving back.”
Cullen was proud to collect the award, and knows how crucial it is for he and his teammates to reach out to the local community.
“I’m really proud, as much as I want to contribute on the pitch for the club, I feel like it’s really important to contribute off it as well,” said Cullen.
“I’ve lived here for the past 10 years, so I feel really part of the community, this is home for me and I’m happy to do anything I can to help off the pitch.
“They say this is a real family club and different to any other, so it’s really nice to give back to the community that supports us so well.”
Williams was surprised to receive the award and was glad that she could be a role model for young girls playing football in Swansea.
“It’s a really nice award to receive, I wasn’t expecting it but it's really important to give something back to the club and the local area,” said Williams.
“It’s been amazing see all these young girls looking up to us as a football team, it is something that I’ve dreamed of.
“I remember being a little girl and looking up to players, so to now be that role model for them feels really good.”
Maheta Molango, PFA CEO: “The PFA has once again been immensely proud of the outstanding efforts of players this season and we feel they should be recognised for their support and involvement in the local community.
“The Award will hopefully raise awareness of the importance many of our members attach to their roles off the pitch and highlight their continued commitment to support those most in need along with engaging in areas where they have a personal interest.
“We would like to offer our congratulations to this season’s recipient of the 2023/24 PFA Community Champion Award.”