Richard Luscombe Argyle have been recognised with two major League One honours at the EFL Community Awards at Parliament this week, celebrating the positive and life-changing impact of the charity’s work across the region.
Argyle were named EFL League One Community Club of the Season, while the pioneering Argyle 4 Autism programme claimed Community Project of the Season, highlighting Argyle’s leadership in tackling inequality, isolation, and health challenges through the power of football.
Argyle Community Trust representatives, including CCO Jason Chapman, Head of Business and Impact Dwain Morgan, and Argyle 4 Autism Programme Lead Liam Donovan, and Dave Schwartz from Plymouth City Council’s Public Health team travelled to London on Wednesday to accept the awards at a ceremony at the House of Commons.
Some very special people were also in attendance – Argyle 4 Autism participant Freddie and his mum were invited by the Trust as guests of honour. Freddie spoke on stage about how the programme has positively impacted his life and what the Club and Trust mean to him: “It’s really good because you get to see people who are experiencing the same stuff as you and you get to know more about your problems.
“I felt all alone, like the stupidest kid in the world. But coming to Argyle 4 Autism has made me realise that I’m not alone.”
The Community Club of the Season award celebrates an outstanding Club, based on its commitment to the community and the impact they have within their respective community.
The Trust had a landmark year, supporting 101,218 people aged between four months and 100 years through 1,049,668 contact hours across all provisions. The charity also celebrated a year of The Hub at Foulston Park – a new community health and wellbeing hub in one of the most deprived areas of the city.
Now in its fourth year, Project 35 continues to combat poverty in the region alongside principal project partner Ginsters. Over 50,000 food items have been delivered to those facing food insecurity, the Mandon Food Larder continues to service those most vulnerable in the city, and over 27,000 food items have been donated to people living in temporary accommodation and children on holiday hunger programmes.
Alongside core provision, the Trust has continued to develop innovative responses to unmet need, including:
- Mum’s Stay & Play, reducing isolation for 169 mothers
- ACTing with Children, supporting 114 young people affected by parental imprisonment
- YEP! helping young people not in education, employment, or training gain qualifications and improve life chances
The Community Project of the Season recognises a club for the most unique and impactful project delivered in its respective community.
Argyle 4 Autism is a Players’ Project, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and codesigned with Argyle first-team players Joe Edwards and Julio Pleguezuelo.
The programme provides a vital intervention for neurodivergent children and families across Plymouth, supporting children with autism, or those who are currently awaiting an official diagnosis. The project addresses a critical gap, with autism assessment waiting times now exceeding two years.
Designed for children aged five to 18, Argyle 4 Autism provides a safe, structured and sensory aware environment, using adaptive sport and esports to build confidence, communication, and emotional regulation.
Embedded within the NHS referral pathway, Argyle 4 Autism has already delivered measurable impact:
- 27 children receiving personalised support
- 12 sessions featuring first team player involvement
- 100% of parents reporting increased physical activity at home
- 93% of families seeing improved confidence in community settings
- 82% reporting improved emotional regulation and behaviour
Argyle Community Trust CEO Mark Lovell said: “I am incredibly proud on behalf of everyone involved with the charity for this incredible honour. These awards wouldn’t be possible without the tireless work of our staff, support from our partners, and the connection we have with the communities we serve across Plymouth, Devon, and Cornwall.
“It has been a monumental year for the charity with the introduction of our new community hub, entering our fourth year of Project 35, and the introduction of programmes to support even more people across the region.”
Speaking on the recognition of the Argyle 4 Autism programme, Project Lead Liam Donovan said: “We are delighted to see the programme receiving the recognition it deserves.
“The positive impact we have seen the programme have on the young people and parents has been incredible.”
Photo by Andrew Fosker/Shutterstock (16828540cd)
Dave Schwartz attended the awards ceremony in recognition of how Plymouth’s place‑based, system‑wide approach to improving children and young people’s health and weight has supported the Trust in its work. This work brings together many services, community organisations, and families to create a compassionate city approach, including for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Dave attended on behalf of the wider partnership that contribute to this collaborative effort across the city.
Professor Steve Maddern, Director of Public Health at Plymouth Council, stated: “We are very proud to have such a brilliant football club charity in our city. The award for Argyle 4 Autism as best project is a fantastic achievement. It is clear how well children and families have benefited from this.
“Work by our city’s public health team to enable different partners and stakeholders to collaborate and so develop or support new initiatives, like this, is so important.”
Debbie Cook, EFL Director of Community, said: “Plymouth Argyle continues to play a significant role in delivering community support across Plymouth and the wider South West, with programmes that reflect the unique needs, challenges and strengths of the city and surrounding areas.
“From tackling food poverty and social isolation to delivering innovative, inclusive projects like Argyle 4 Autism, the Club continues to reach people facing the greatest barriers to support. These League One EFL Community Awards are a fitting recognition of the commitment, creativity and compassion shown by the Argyle Community Trust and its partners across Plymouth.”
Argyle will now go up against the fantastic achievements and programmes of Blackburn Rovers, Notts County, and Bristol Rovers in the grand-final on Sunday, 19 April.
You can find out more information about the community work of the Trust via the annual impact report by clicking the link here.
You can learn more about Argyle 4 Autism and how you can get involved here.
