Josh Key and Emily Thomas named PFA Community Champions for 2024-25
Swansea City AFC Foundation has named Josh Key and Emily Thomas as their PFA Community Champions for the 2024-25 season.
The award aims to highlight players who have made working within communities and for good causes central to their role as a footballer.
Key has consistently demonstrated his enthusiasm towards getting involved in community projects since arriving in Swansea during the summer of 2023.
Notably, this season the 25-year-old has supported Swansea City's charity of the year, the Swansea Bay Health Charity's Cwtsh Clos appeal, by being part of the Christmas Memory Tree campaign.
Key also inspired Swans Foundation participant Charlie Howlett, who fell in love with football through Premier League Primary Stars programme; having previously been prevented from playing the game due to a rare muscle disease.
"At Swansea and where I'm from in Exeter as well, the two clubs are really focused on building in the community," said Key.
"It's something which I'm proud of and I love to help out with. Allowing football to involve everyone is really important.
"To use football as a base to be able to help people, whether it comes from me or others in the club, it's just a small thing we can do. I think we can do a lot more as footballers to help out in the community.
"For me I think it gives me confidence and encouragement to play well and do as much as I can for the team, but importantly for those off it too.
"There's been so many amazing things which I've been able to help out with.
"Sometimes you don't realise in football what goes on behind the scenes, we just come out here and play but don't realise what people are going through, so it's really important for me that we do the little things to help out."
Swans Women's star Emily Thomas has inspired hundreds of young girls by visiting the Foundation's soccer camps throughout the school holidays, taking the time to get involved with playing games, speaking to participants and signing memorabilia.
"I'm really proud to be recognised with this award," said Thomas.
"I put a lot of hard work into playing, but I also love going to visit the young girls at the soccer camps.
"It's nice to go and see them. They can see me as a familiar face and I can show them that I am interested in seeing them develop and play football.
"I think for all these young girls out there to have a role model, someone to attend their soccer camps, is really good for them. They can look up at someone and see that one day they could potentially be Swansea's future."
Maheta Molango, the Professional Footballers' Association CEO, added: "The PFA has once again been immensely proud of the outstanding efforts of players this season.
"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."