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Paul Dummett named PFA Community Champion for charity work with Newcastle United Foundation
Newcastle United's Paul Dummett has been named as a Professional Footballers' Association Community Champion for 2019/20, celebrating his hard work off the pitch enriching his hometown area.
The 29-year-old defender was nominated for the accolade after getting involved with several Newcastle United Foundation programmes last season, inspiring dozens of young people he met while supporting the official charity arm of Newcastle United.
The PFA Community Champion Awards aims to recognise players dedicated to getting involved in the communities around them and lending a hand to their club's charity work throughout the season.
Last season, Newcastle-born Dummett visited his old secondary school in the city to see how Newcastle United Foundation was engaging and inspiring pupils with one-to-one support, volunteering and unique learning opportunities.
After spending time in the classroom with teenagers working with the Foundation, the Wales international headed over the PE department to meet young people keeping active with the charity's programme.
On receiving the PFA Community Champion Award, Dummett said: "It's always nice to be recognised for the work you do off the field.
"I'm from the area and it means so much to the people in the local community of Newcastle so I like to try and help in any way I can.
"Especially last season, I didn't play as many games as I'd have liked to play so it's important to help in other ways."
The key figure for the Magpies also attended Newcastle United Foundation's annual awards dinner, celebrating community champions and local heroes connected to the club and its charity.
There, Dummett presented the Helen McArdle Young Achiever Award to Tilly Stewart, providing an inspirational moment for the young footballer who dreams of representing the Magpies one day.
A month later, the defender joined his teammates, Newcastle United Women and the under-23s team to visit patients, their families and staff in Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary at Christmas time, giving gifts to poorly youngsters spending the festive period in hospital.
At the height of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic this year, Dummett joined the #PlayersTogether appeal - a contribution fund created by Premier League players to help NHS Charities Together to quickly grant funds for NHS staff, volunteers and patients affected by the virus.
Steve Beharall, Head of Newcastle United Foundation, said: "We are always incredibly grateful for the continued support of all the players and we were wanted to recognise the extra effort Paul had put in off the pitch last season.
"At the Foundation, we understand the power of the badge and what it means for people in our community to meet their club heroes. We are proud to help make that happen and to inspire the next generation in the process."
"I'm from the area and it means so much to the people in the local community of Newcastle so I like to try and help in any way I can. "Especially last season, I didn't play as many games as I'd have liked to play so it's important to help in other ways."