Walsall FC Foundation were delighted to announce goalkeeper Sam Hornby as our PFA Community Champion for 2024/25, at Sunday’s End of Season Awards Dinner.
Hornby was recognised for his outstanding contribution in the community this year, supporting a number of Foundation projects.
The 30-year-old stopper attended Soccer Schools, coached Post 16 students as part of a number of players’ UEFA B qualification, and visited schools to encourage children to move through play in the Joy of Moving programme.
Continuing the club and PFA’s commitment to player engagement, the first-team squad take part in a number of player visits throughout the year.
Co-ordinated by Walsall FC Foundation and the PFA, the players visit a range of community activities, and Sam Hornby was also named a PFA ambassador this season.
However, the standout engagement from Hornby came when he created a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a lucky young goalkeeper, through the club’s links with Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Noah Cross, whose brother was being cared for at Acorns, was gifted a Walsall FC Foundation Community Mascot package, as Hornby rounded up fellow goalkeepers Tommy Simkin and George Barrett as part of the surprise.
Sam Hornby then invited Noah to the club’s Essington training ground, for a special training session with the trio – led by Goalkeeping Coach, Dan Still.
Hornby said: “It really touched me and it was nice to see the smile on Noah’s face.”
“All of the lads go visits set up by the Foundation, whether that’s at schools, hospital visits and so on. You really can make people’s day which is so good to see.
“It was something I was really passionate about doing. I realised over the years how local people, especially kids, love seeing a player from their local club.”
Hornby follows in the footsteps of skipper Donervon Daniels, who picked up the Community Champion award in 2023/24.
Community Director, Adam Davy, added: “Near the beginning of the season, Sam came to us and told us how he’d really like to be involved a bit more with Walsall FC Foundation and our community visits.
“The Walsall FC first-team, women’s team and academy scholars have all been great when it comes to player engagement, but the way Sam has taken it upon himself to do more shows the fantastic character he is.
“Particularly with his relationship with Noah, going above and beyond for the family, you can see why Sam is such a deserving PFA Community Champion.”
