Joseph Olowu named PFA Community Champion for the 22/23 season

Doncaster Rovers’ defender Joseph Olowu has been named the PFA Community Champion for the 22/23 season, following his fantastic work within the community throughout the past year. 

Having jumped straight into being an ambassador for Club Doncaster Foundation within his first season at Doncaster Rovers, he once again chose to become an ambassador for the 22/23 season, primarily for social inclusion work. 

Joseph’s work and enthusiasm off the pitch, within the community, is paramount to his character. 

From promoting campaigns and specific activities delivered by the Foundation, to becoming a regular visitor to the Club Doncaster Sports College for inspirational talks and visiting a number of partner schools to meet children, answer questions and read stories with them. 

A stand-out moment for him was during an encounter with a child at one primary school, during a Q+A visit. Following some touching words from the child, the words struck home with Joseph who decided to organise a signed shirt and personally deliver it to the child’s home one Friday evening, along with an invite to be mascot. 

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After finding out he’d won the award, Joseph spoke of being recognised for his work within the community: “Being able to go into the community and see projects and activities that take place throughout each week and the people who attend these, is fantastic. I don’t always get to see the amazing work that goes on, so to see that we make a difference in people’s lives, really does make you feel great. 

“I’ve been to a range of events throughout the season and heard some heart-warming stories. I’ve encountered some wonderful people, and seeing the difference we can make as football players, really spurs me on to play an integral part within the local community. 

“As footballers, we’re role models. People look up to us and aspire to be like us, so it’s only right that we give our own time to meet people away from the pitch, to continue our roles in supporting people and projects, just like the support we get on the pitch.  

“It costs me nothing to give back to people but it means everything to the amazing people I get to meet and help.” 

Speaking of Joseph winning the award, CEO John Davis said: “Across the season, Joseph has really gone the extra mile and thrown himself into supporting the breadth of our outreach programmes. 

“Joseph is a great ambassador for our Foundation and has been a vital part of our role in connecting Doncaster Rovers FC to our local community. 

“I would like to personally place on record my thanks to Joseph for all of his support – it makes the world of difference to our beneficiaries.” 

Everyone at the Foundation would like to send their congratulations to Joseph on winning the award, with a huge thankyou for the continued support to the Foundation.