Sam Walker named Foundation's PFA Community Champion

The Bradford City FC Community Foundation was delighted to present City goalkeeper Sam Walker, who was instrumental in getting the Bantams promoted this season, with an award recognising him as their PFA Community Champion for the

Sam has been generous with his time throughout the footballing year, lending his support to a number of the Foundation's campaigns and initiatives. The award recognises players who have made their work with communities and good causes central to their role as a professional footballer

On being presented with the award, Sam said: "I'm very happy to have been recognised by the Foundation. Since joining the club, I have seen first-hand what a difference they make in their community, and am proud to have been able to contribute to the fantastic work they do for Bradford."

In summer 2024, to mark Father's Day, Sam shared his insight on the issues he, as a man, struggles to talk about as part of a campaign with Hallmark UK, contributing to the Foundation and Andy's Man Club's work in supporting men's mental health.

Sam was presented with the award by Foundation CEO and former City striker Ian Ormondroyd. Ian said: "We've been very grateful to have Sam's support for our work and campaigns this season. He very quickly became a recognisable, dependable person of the team, and that has translated into his work in the community. He has always been generous with his time, conducted himself professionally and thoughfully, and he is very deserving of this recognition."

This season, the Foundation introduced the TL Dallas Community Stand, a dedicated space for atypical or first-time matchgoers, including schools, junior clubs and support organisations, to watch the Bantams during their promotion-winning season. Sam leant his support to the initiative, highlighting the positive impact having fans in the stand making noise and cheering the team on has on the team - especially when he is stood on his own at one end of the field, and has the stand cheering him on behind the posts!

Sam also shared his insight into his unique role as both a professional footballer and a father, as part of the Foundation's campaign, alongside the Bradford Children and Families Trust, aimed at supporting dads and male carers in the city. The campaign included a film, in which Sam and his fellow City stars generously shared their experiences, with the aim of encouraging dads and male carers to seek support.

You can watch the campaign film here:

As a result of the success of the campaign, the Foundation shall be running a dedicated support group for dads, male carers and male guardians, starting on Saturday 24th May and running on alternate Saturdays during its initial run. Dads, male carers and male guardians can find out more and register for those sessions here.

Ben Parker, Community Liaison Officer for the PFA, said: "Sam is a deserving winner of the PFA Community Champion Award. He is a role model on and off the pitch and his dedication on giving back to the community, and approachable nature, embodies all of the values this award represents."