Anthony Elanga named Newcastle United’s PFA Community Champion 2025/26

TL;DR

Anthony Elanga has been named Newcastle United’s PFA Community Champion for the 2025/26 season, recognizing his commitment to community service. He has actively supported various Foundation programs and engaged with young footballers since joining the club.

Key points

Anthony Elanga named PFA Community Champion 2025/26
Award recognizes commitment to community service
Supported Newcastle United Foundation programs
Engaged with young footballers on rooftop pitch
Volunteered at Community Pantry

Mentioned in this story

Anthony ElangaNewcastle United FoundationTyneside

NUCASTLECommunity PantryPremier LeagueSweden

Anthony Elanga named Newcastle United’s PFA Community Champion 2025/26

Nominated by Newcastle United Foundation, the PFA Community Champion award recognises players committed to enriching the community around them, going above and beyond to support their club’s charity work throughout the season.

Elanga has supported several Foundation programmes and has been involved in outreach work since arriving on Tyneside last summer. He made his first visit to NUCASTLE, the home of Newcastle United Foundation, in September where he volunteered at the charity’s Community Pantry and met with aspiring young footballers on NUCASTLE’s rooftop football pitch.

The Sweden international has also given his time supporting various Premier League programmes delivered by the Foundation, engaging young people to explore their future.

The 24-year-old recently met with aspiring sports reporters working on a career in journalism through the Premier League Primary Stars programme. Earlier this season, Elanga also shared his pride inPremier League Primary Stars pupils penning inspirational poems bringing awareness to the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.

Ben Parker, Community Liaison Executive at the PFA presented Elanga with the award on behalf of the Professional Footballers' Association.

On receiving the PFA Community Champion award 2025/26, Elanga said: “This community has taken me in as one of their own, and that has really helped me settle. It feels like the start of a journey with some amazing things to come – I’m proud to be a part of that.

“Giving back to the community is something that has meant a lot to me since I was young and I want to carry on that tradition. Even the smallest gesture can mean the world to someone else, so I always want to play my part.”

Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme. Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Foundation, the programme uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.

Q&A

What is the PFA Community Champion award?

The PFA Community Champion award recognizes players who contribute significantly to their club's charity work and community engagement.

How has Anthony Elanga contributed to the Newcastle United Foundation?

Anthony Elanga has supported several Foundation programs, volunteered at the Community Pantry, and engaged with young aspiring footballers since arriving at Newcastle.

When did Anthony Elanga start his community work with Newcastle United?

Anthony Elanga began his community work with Newcastle United shortly after arriving in Tyneside last summer, making his first visit to the Foundation in September.