Rams named community club of the year for region

Derby County Community Trust has been recognised by the English Football League for the work it does off the pitch.

Announced as part of the EFL’s first ever Week of Action, the trust has been named EFL Community Club of the Season for the Midlands, alongside five other regional winners, for the outstanding work it has delivered off the pitch.

Each of the regional winning clubs have made a significant difference to the lives of people living in their local areas, through projects designed to tackle societal issues such as loneliness, food poverty and education, amongst others.

It is the sixth time in the last 10 years that the Derby County Community Trust has been named the Midlands’ best community scheme. It has twice been named the national Community Club of the Year.

For the awards, three key projects were put forward under the banners of Health and Wellbeing, Education and Employability and Participation and Community Engagement.

Derby County’s range of projects were viewed by the judges as “outstanding”.

The projects chosen by the trust, leading to its successful application, were Active Recovery, which supports patients going through their cancer journey, its Inclusion Project, which supports children and young people at risk of exclusion from school and its Sensory Room at Pride Park Stadium, which is funded by fans thanks to the 1884 Wall.

Simon Carnall, head of community at Derby County Community Trust, said: “To be recognised once again as Community Club of the Season for the region is a phenomenal achievement for our staff, participants and board of trustees, who shape and guide how we operate as a charity.

“Being able to nominate such diverse projects is a testament to the skills and attitudes of our staff team, who are on the ground week in, week out, helping people to become happier and healthier versions of themselves.

“Our vast delivery programme has been recognised many times throughout or history, but to be able to add the new angle of the way we fundraised to support one of our vital projects means we owe a huge amount to the amazing fans who helped us to achieve this.”

The trust will formally receive its award at a special event hosted at the House of Commons on 19 April.

The overall winner for each category will be announced live at the EFL Awards on 24 April.