Alfie Mawson has been nominated as the Reds Player in the Community 2015 -16 as part of the Football League Annual Awards. The category recognises the efforts of individual players who go that extra mile away from the pitch in supporting community initiatives. Alfie has volunteered on numerous occasions to support good community causes. He fronted the South Yorkshire Police’s ‘Legal High’ awareness campaign of the increasing dangers to young people. He also arranged to meet a young supporter suffering a serious illness in hospital. He is regular visitor to Barnsley Hospice and local schools to meet patients and pupils. In October he was awarded Sky Bet Unsung Hero of the Month for his efforts away from the pitch and out in the community.

Head Coach Lee Johnson said “From the first moment I met Alfie, I realised that his values and his morals were very in order and that he was a well-rounded individual. He’s a very good footballer but more importantly he’s a good man. He’s willing to put the time in to make other people’s lives better – and that’s a nice thing. We do try to bring good people into the football club. That’s an important part of our recruitment philosophy. Clubs like Barnsley are very community-based and it’s very important that not only Alfie but all of the players touch the community because it means a lot. If we can help as a club in any which way we can, then we will. Alfie’s not only done that, he’s gone beyond the call of duty and taken on extra himself. It’s all for the greater good of improving other people’s lives and it’s nice to be working with someone who has those values. I’m delighted as well for the people that Alfie’s made feel better. The fact that he’s doing what he is at 21 is standout, isn’t it? It is nice to see because young footballers get a bad press nowadays for some of the things they do but Alfie is one of those in the good band.”

He has been a pleasure to work with since joining the club. He’s a great example of the importance of player involvement and the impact this can have on their local community. Alfie fully deserves his nomination as a true professional and community champion!