Argyle Community Trust launch Players’ Project Pilot with first-teamers
Argyle Community Trust are launching a new Players’ Project Pilot, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).
The Players’ Project Pilot aims to build stronger connections between players, communities and football clubs by putting players at the heart of local projects that help tackle inequalities, raise aspirations, develop thriving communities, and inspire positive change.
The Trust will work closely with Joe Edwards and Julio Pleguezuelo to deliver Argyle 4 Autism (A4A), a new football project co-designed by the players and created for children with autism, or for those who are currently awaiting an official diagnosis.
“It’s a pleasure to have assisted with this project,” said Argyle captain Joe. “Football is a great way for people, whatever their background or situation, to come together and have fun, with something we all love in common.
“We’ve done our best to create a programme which is educational, challenging, accessible and, most importantly, fun. Hopefully plenty of people will come along and enjoy.”
Argyle Community Trust Devon Regional Manager, Stewart Walbridge, said: “Each session will provide a safe, structured, and inclusive environment where children can develop physical, social, and emotional skills through football.
“A4A will combine physical activity with tailored learning strategies to cater to the unique sensory, communication, and behavioural needs of children on the autism spectrum.
“The programme equally focuses on educating and empowering parents. Workshops and resources will be delivered to parents, in parallel to the children’s football sessions, to help them better understand autism, develop effective communication strategies, and learn about managing their kids’ challenging behaviour.”
Open to professional football club charities and player foundations, the Players’ Project Pilot will harness players personal interests to help address important societal issues.
Premier League Director of Community, Nick Perchard, said: “The Players’ Project Pilot is a powerful initiative that places players at the heart of community work, allowing them to use their influence to make a real difference.
“By combining players’ passions with the proven delivery of professional football club charities, this funding will respond to local need and create meaningful impact that extends far beyond the pitch.”
Professional Footballers’ Association Chief Executive, Maheta Molango, said: “Supporting the work that our members do in their communities has always been a priority for the PFA and I’ve personally enjoyed seeing the impact that they have and the way they use their platform.
“I know from conversations with players that they want to use their position to highlight work in their communities that really matters to them and where they feel that personal connection.
“We’ve been keen to give them opportunities to do that, and the Players’ Project Pilot is an excellent way of growing that connection between our members and the work they do off the pitch.”
In addition to the Players’ Project Pilot delivered by Argyle Community Trust, the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) will be investing in a further 16 projects across England and Wales. Each charity has received a grant of up to £25,000 from the Premier League and PFA, which will be distributed by the Premier League Charitable Fund.
Funded projects within the pilot have been designed to positively impact people of all ages and include intergenerational activities designed to support female carers, inclusive initiatives for people living with dementia and intervention programmes devised to tackle child criminal exploitation.
To find out more, please visit www.premierleague.com
