Anthony Elanga named Newcastle United’s PFA Community Champion 2025/26 | OneFootball

Nominated by Newcastle United Foundation, the PFA Community Champion award recognises players committed to enriching the community around them, going above and beyond to support their club’s charity work throughout the season.

Elanga has supported several Foundation programmes and has been involved in outreach work since arriving on Tyneside last summer. He made his first visit to NUCASTLE, the home of Newcastle United Foundation, in September where he volunteered at the charity’s Community Pantry and met with aspiring young footballers on NUCASTLE’s rooftop football pitch.

The Sweden international has also given his time supporting various Premier League programmes delivered by the Foundation, engaging young people to explore their future.

The 24-year-old recently met with aspiring sports reporters working on a career in journalism through the Premier League Primary Stars programme. Earlier this season, Elanga also shared his pride inPremier League Primary Stars pupils penning inspirational poems bringing awareness to the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.

Ben Parker, Community Liaison Executive at the PFA presented Elanga with the award on behalf of the Professional Footballers' Association.

On receiving the PFA Community Champion award 2025/26, Elanga said: “This community has taken me in as one of their own, and that has really helped me settle. It feels like the start of a journey with some amazing things to come – I’m proud to be a part of that.

“Giving back to the community is something that has meant a lot to me since I was young and I want to carry on that tradition. Even the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone else, so I always want to play my part.”

Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Foundation, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.

Maheta Molango, PFA CEO, said: “We know from our work with players that they feel passionately about using their influence in positive ways to drive change in their communities.

“Our PFA Community Champions have shown incredible dedication to community engagement projects over the season and it’s right that they are celebrated for the impact they’ve had.

“On behalf of everyone at the PFA, I extend our warmest congratulations to this season’s winners.”

Emily Murphy collected the PFA Community Champion award for Newcastle United Women celebrating the time she has spent volunteering with Newcastle United Foundation at the Great North Children’s Hospital this season.

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