Colchester United captain Luke Prosser is the U's chosen player for the PFA Player in the Community award in 2017/18.
Luke, who returned to action this season after getting back to fitness after a knee injury, has led by example with his involvement in the club's community programme.
Luke has been instrumental in our player ambassador structure which links U's first team players to specific community programmes as well his attendance and impact he makes when attending his own player visits across Colchester and the local community.
Football in the Community's Ben Elmer said: "Luke has provided a great experience for our Walking Football players over the last year, he has attended sessions, passed on his knowledge and shared his interests with the players.
"He has developed a good friendship with the players, getting to know them personally and the players are constantly following his progress with the first team."
Luke, pictured receiving his award from Football in the Community Senior Development Officer Tom Tayler, said: "Since arriving at Colchester in the summer of 2016, I have been massively impressed by the community programme.
"As club captain, I feel it is important to lead by example and I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved during my time at the club. I have taken particular pleasure at the successes of the Walking Football team and continue to keep a close eye on their progress.
"The club recruit a lot of their young players from the local area for the Academy programme and so it is important that we as players play our part in developing the club’s profile alongside the community scheme."