Everton vice-captain James Tarkowski has been recognised for his significant commitment to the club’s official charity, Everton in the Community (EitC).
The centre-back was crowned the PFA Community Champion for the 2025/26 season, marking the second time he has received the honour, having previously won the award in 2023/24.
The award serves as recognition for Tarkowski’s consistent and passionate support for EitC.
As an official ambassador for the charity’s partnership with the Steve Morgan Foundation, the defender has played a key role in raising awareness for the ‘Steve Morgan Community Impact Model’ and various other life-changing initiatives throughout the Merseyside region.
Hands-On Engagement with Community Projects
Throughout the current campaign, Tarkowski has been actively involved in several charitable events.
This included welcoming EitC participant Sam to Finch Farm to mark World Mental Health Day and participating in the seventh annual Everton in the Community Showcase.
During the showcase, he joined participants from the Stand Together programme for various table-top games, highlighting the charity’s work with older members of the local community.
In a personal touch to his community work, Tarkowski recently visited The People’s Hub alongside Peter Stewart, the headteacher of his former primary school.
The visit allowed him to see first-hand how the innovative community campus supports local residents.
Reflecting on the PFA Community Champion Award, Tarkowski said:
“It’s always a pleasure to support Everton in the Community, and I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award.
“Everton is renowned for its work in the L4 community and wider Liverpool City Region and as players it’s brilliant to be able to see the difference the charity makes to local people and hear their stories for ourselves.”
The Impact of Everton in the Community
The Professional Footballers’ Association facilitates the PFA Community Champion award to encourage and celebrate players who make a difference through charitable work.
Sue Gregory, CEO of Everton in the Community, presented the award and praised the defender’s genuine connection with those the charity supports, she said:
“James has shown true support for our charity, connecting with the people directly impacted by our life-changing initiatives and taking a genuine interest in their lives.
“Handing James this award is just a small token of our gratitude for his dedication to EitC, as well as that of his teammates.”
Everton in the Community has been operating since 1988 and currently supports over 30,000 participants annually.
The charity focuses on building stronger communities across various demographics, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic background.
Members of the public who wish to support these ongoing efforts can find donation details on the charity’s official website.
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