Everton midfielder Tom Davies has been recognised for his charitable and community efforts off the pitch by being named the Club's PFA Community Champion for 2021/22.
The Academy graduate has played an active role with Everton in the Community (EitC) since bursting on to the First-Team stage in 2016, and also supports a number of external projects tackling social and sustainability issues.
While a serious hamstring injury saw Davies sidelined for more than six months of the season, his commitment to the Blues' official charity remained as strong as ever with several appearances over the course of the campaign.
The 23-year-old spoke to EitC's Veterans' Hub to learn more about the participants' time in the armed forces and their experiences of losing comrades, as well as the mental health challenges during and after military service.
At Easter, Davies joined fellow Academy graduate Anthony Gordon to visit and deliver presents to patients and their families at Zoë's Place, a registered charity that provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants.
Most recently, Davies, along with manager Frank Lampard, took part in an Imagine Your Goals session, ran by EitC, where participants and players came together to share personal stories of overcoming mental challenges.
"It's a massive honour to win this award," said Davies. "It's been a frustrating year for me playing-wise with the injury, but to be able to help people in need and hopefully put a few smiles on faces has given me a huge boost.
"I'm deeply proud of where I come from. The people of this city have always looked out for each other and I'm well aware that I'm in a position where I'm able to do that and make positive changes.
"Everton's commitment to helping and making the local area and beyond a better place is second to none - and I'm extremely proud to play a part in that wherever I can."
In addition to helping EitC, Davies has pledged his support to combatting food poverty as part of Feeding Liverpool’s Good Food Plan, plus the Sunday Supper Project that distributes hot meals and other essentials to Liverpool's homeless community.
He also committed to a lead role in the UK branch of ChopValue, a company determined to improve sustainability and by developing solutions for the excessive waste in society.
Everton in the Community Executive Director, Richard Cronin, added: “Tom’s contribution to Everton in the Community stems way beyond this season alone, however, I’m delighted that his efforts from the past campaign in particular are being recognised.
“Tom has gone above and beyond to helping tackle social issues that are prevalent in the community that he represents so affectionately.
“On behalf of Everton in the Community, I’d like to thank Tom, and his fellow teammates and management staff for their support this season, and look forward to seeing them continue to engage and support our charity.”
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