Ralls and Oakley Named 2024 PFA Community Champions

Community Foundation Ambassadors Joe Ralls and Rhianne Oakley have been recognised as Cardiff City FC's Male and Female PFA Community Champions for the 2023/24 season.

Over the course of the season, both players have been recognised for their contribution to the our communities in spreading positive messages, meeting with participants, and raising awareness of our work in the Welsh capital and South Wales Valleys.

This year, City's Club captain has emerged as a vocal advocate for the Community Foundation's inclusive initiatives and the Premier League Primary Stars project. Celebrated as part of the #MoreThanAGame campaign, Joe championed the belief that football transcends beyond the pitch. Ralls has also been involved with multiple Cardiff City FC's Disability Supporters Club events.

Speaking when receiving his award, City's No.8 said:

"I'm honoured to once again be recognised as Cardiff City FC's PFA Community Champion. The remarkable efforts of the Community Foundation in the local area are truly commendable. I am grateful for the chance to continue contributing to their impactful work and really proud to be an ambassador. As professional footballers, it is our responsibility to give back to our communities, and dedicating my spare time to their projects is the least I can do."

Oakley has dedicated a huge amount of time to support our work - visiting multiple inclusive football festivals, competitions and after school clubs - where she not only promotes inclusivity but also empowers young girls to embrace football.

Rhianne's dedication to community service is further highlighted by her delivery of Christmas toys to schools in areas of high deprivation over the 2023 Christmas period. She visited three different schools in Cardiff City FC communities, demonstrating a genuine commitment to uplifting the spirits of children during the festive season.

Speaking when receiving her award, Rhianne said:

"Working with young people with the Community Foundation is so rewarding in more ways than one. Watching them develop into confident, intelligent, and hardworking young people is what makes working in the community so worthwhile. Inspiring the next generation as a player/coach is very important to me especially with the rise in women’s football across the world! To be a part of this is an absolute pleasure for me and I'm so proud to be named PFA Community Champion."

Maheta Molango – CEO Professional Footballers’ Association said:

“The PFA has once again been immensely proud of the outstanding efforts of players this season and we feel they should be recognised for their support and involvement in the local community. The Award will hopefully raise awareness of the importance many of our members attach to their roles off the pitch and highlight their continued commitment to support those most in need along with engaging in areas where they have a personal interest. We would like to offer our congratulations to this season’s recipient of the 2023/24 PFA Community Champion Award.”

Cardiff City FC First team players and our Community Foundation Ambassadors play such an important role in unlocking the power of Cardiff City FC to make a difference in our communities - we'd like to say a huge thank you to Joe, Rhianne and the rest of the Cardiff City FC Men's and Women's First Team squads for their support throughout this season.