The PFA Community Champion accolade recognises PFA members who provide great support to their club’s community activities during the season.
Edwards was nominated for the award having displayed a positive attitude from start to finish since joining the club in the summer of 2019. He has since featured at numerous player appearances, interacting appropriately with whichever community group, charity or school session he attended.
The Australian midfielder volunteered to become the club’s PFA 2019/20 Education Ambassador shortly after joining Nigel Clough’s side. Since then, he’s been instrumental across a number of sessions that are delivered by Burton Albion Community Trust, having a positive effect on the participants that he’s come into contact with.
It’s the second time the 26 year-old has been recognised for his contribution to the community work of Burton Albion, after also being nominated for the EFL Player in the Community Award, which is still yet to have decided on an overall winner.
Edwards has built a very special bond with one community group in particular, becoming a keen favourite of theirs at one of BACT’s Alternative Education sessions. The youngsters, who attend the mentor-based programme, work with BACT to help them re-engage with mainstream education at primary school, where it’s been clear to see the improvement in their willingness to learn since the Brewers player became involved.
Edwards also supported the ‘Ditch The Blade’ campaign, helping police and local partners to encourage young people not to carry knives and to instead choose a different path for their lives.
He was also a huge hit at two health and wellbeing programmes over the festive period, at both the annual Christmas Over 50’s celebration and club hospital visit.
Edwards, said: “I’m really proud to have won the PFA Community Champion award.
“It’s been a great year supporting the work of Burton Albion Community Trust, so this award is for recognition of the great work that they do.”
Matt Hancock, Head of Community, said: “He thoroughly deserves the award and has been a great asset to Burton Albion both on and off the pitch.
“He’s a really friendly character and has had a big impact on all the people that he’s come into contact with. He’s exactly the type of person that you want as a representative of your football club.”