Sheffield Wednesday footballer, Will Vaulks, won the English Football League Community Player of the Year award last night for his work for the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and Baton of Hope, a suicide prevention service.
The EFL awards celebrate and recognise the continued efforts and achievements of Championship, League One and League Two clubs, players and individuals.
Speaking after collecting the award, 30-year-old Mr Vaulks said: “It’s really important we raise awareness for off the pitch matters, it’s nice to be recognised and win an award for the things that mean a lot to me.
“What we do off the pitch is so important, as footballers we have a platform to give back, and I’m really grateful I can do that.”
Sheffield Wednesday expressed their congratulations and pride for their midfielders’ achievement.
This is the third time that Mr Vaulks has won the award for the Championship division, but the first time he has won the overall title.
Mr Vaulks was a crucial part of the Baton of Hope relay race which took place last summer and saw bereaved family members carrying the silver baton from Glasgow to London.
He became involved in the charity after both his grandfathers took their own lives.
Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is based in Sheffield and has helped families in the area who wanted an alternative to hospital care for more than 15 years.
Mr Vaulks re-pledged his support to the hospice when he signed for Sheffield Wednesday, he said: “It is the most worthy cause you can imagine.”
The awards took place at Grosvenor House in London and also saw awards for best manager, best club and community project of the season, as well as many others.
