Preston North End pair Bambo Diaby and Greg Cunningham have expressed their honour and pride at winning the two community-based end-of-season awards.
As PFA Community Champion, Diaby was chosen by staff at Preston North End Community and Education Trust [PNECET] for his significant contribution to the charity’s Ramadan initiatives and integration with the local Muslim community.
Bambo said: “It is a real privilege for me to be nominated for this award.
“I am a person who helps whenever I can, so being recognised for it always feels good!
“I feel that before being a professional footballer, I am a person first and foremost and I like to be this way because it is my way of being.
“I want to thank the Community and Education Trust and the PFA for letting me be part of the Ramadan initiatives and the wider Preston community.”
Meanwhile, Cunningham was recognised as Community Player of the Year for his enthusiastic and committed support of the Trust’s many programmes delivered in the local community, not least Soccer School, the Girls’ Emerging Talent Centre and Premier League Primary Stars.
Greg said: “An integral part of any football club is its community.
“I’ve enjoyed the community work that I’ve done throughout the season and I’m truly honoured and humbled to receive this year’s award.”
Tom Drake, Chief Executive Officer at PNECET, said: “On behalf of everyone at Preston North End Community and Education Trust, I’d like to say a big thank you to both Bambo and Greg for all their help and time supporting our work in the community this season.“
"They have both been fantastic ambassadors for the Trust throughout 2022/23 and they are fully deserving of these awards.”