Amad Diallo and Maya Le Tissier have been awarded the PFA’s Community Champion award by Manchester United Foundation, honouring their ongoing support for the local community throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
Over the course of the season, both players have been recognised for their wonderful contribution to Foundation initiatives and projects, engaging and inspiring the next generation by visiting local schools and raising awareness of the community work taking place across Greater Manchester.
Amad was nominated for the award after taking part in a variety of Foundation activities, including a Black History Month workshop, where he helped to inspire students from Foundation partner schools and celebrate diverse cultures. He also visited a primary school in Moss Side, surprising participants and presenting a Foundation staff member with their own Community Captain trophy as part of a Premier League campaign.
Amad has frequently shown his support to charitable events and the value of giving back to the community, including attending a Christmas lunch with Manchester United’s Disabled Supporters’ Association (MUDSA), and spending time with fans with life-limiting illnesses as part of ‘Dream Days’ facilitated by the Foundation.
Amad said: “I’m so happy to have received this award. I’ve really enjoyed visiting schools in the community, seeing the kids and putting smiles on faces. It’s important for me as a Manchester United player to give back and help give some advice to the children for the future. It’s great to work closely with the Foundation and see the impact it has on the lives of young people across Manchester.”
Manchester United Women captain Le Tissier has also received the Community Champion award, having visited a number of Foundation partner schools across Greater Manchester this season. She has inspired young girls who are looking to follow in her footsteps by becoming a professional footballer, as well as promoting the benefits of reading and pursuing education to the younger generation.
When presented with the award, Le Tissier said: “I’m delighted to receive the PFA Community Champion award this season. Working in the local community is incredibly important to the club, especially given how big football is in Manchester. It’s great to give something back, and I really enjoy visiting schools and making a difference to the young people we meet.”
Maya Le Tissier with her PFA Community Champion award
Both players were awarded the trophy by young people from Foundation partner high schools in a special meet and greet at Carrington training ground. Students were selected from schools supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association, which aims to help football clubs tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.
Maheta Molango, chief executive officer of the Professional Footballers’ Association, said: “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 recipients of the 2024/25 PFA Community Champion award.”