Zaha wins PFA Community Award

As a proud south Londoner, its safe to say Wilfried Zaha cares about his community. He’s been involved with several community projects in the last 12 months and has been recognised by the PFA with a community award for his efforts.

From promoting healthy living in primary schools to joining in training sessions with the Foundation’s power chair team, Wilf has been an enthusiastic ambassador for the Palace for Life Foundation.

One Foundation programme in particular is very close to Wilfried’s heart. As a 14-year-old he used to attend Premier League Kicks sessions at Canterbury Road, Croydon. Kicks is a youth outreach programme with the aim to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities, whilst giving young people access to facilities, coaching and mentoring.

Always willing to give up his time to support Foundation programmes, Zaha said:
“I used to take part in Kicks and it’s great to have somewhere to go where the kids can play. Having access to so many resources without having to pay for it. It’s nice to be able to go back and help out when I can, help my community and see everything progress.”

Mike Summers, Chief Executive Officer at Palace for Life Foundation acknowledges the importance of Palace players taking part in community programmes. He said:
“Having the players visit our young people helps encourage further participation on our programmes. For Wilf to get involved with some of the disability and primary school programmes has been invaluable.”

As the Palace for Life Foundation continues to grow, player visits are already being planned for next season as the Foundation looks to work closely with the wider Crystal Palace family.