Pierre Ekwah: Our Community Champion in pictures

Pierre Ekwah has been unveiled as Foundation of Light's Community Champion by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA). Here's the story, in pictures, behind the midfielder's community engagement throughout 2023-24:

Pierre's first visit to the Beacon. He joined several teammates for the EFL Week of Action player tour, and interacted with participants from various programmes including Wear Together. 

Pierre Ekwah cooks up a storm with Dennis Cirkin as they take a tour of the Ministy of Food Kitchen.

He then dropped in on a session with the Helen McArdle Health and Social Care Academy.

Another stop on the player tour was the outdoor artificial pitches, where Ekwah and his teammates got involved with a kickabout.

Pierre enjoyed the player tour so much, especially the kitchen, that he soon returned to the Beacon of Light for a cooking session with local schoolchildren.

Donning a chef's hat and apron, he engaged warmly with the participants throughout. 

Having become a real advocate of the Foundation, the 22-year-old midfielder modelled our merchandise range.

And he got behind our Heart on your Sleeve campaign.

His next visit to the Beacon came on World Book Day, again showing enthusiasm in his interactions with participants.

Joined by teammate Dan Ballard, the SAFC duo took part in book-related activities to promote the benefits of reading to local schoolchildren.

And they even dressed up for the occasion. Pierre looking ready for a trip to Hogwarts, while Dan was possibly the easiest Where's Wally you could find. 

During the World Book Day visit, the midfielder was given a nice surprise. Ekwah was presented with his Community Champion award by the PFA's Ben Parker and Foundation of Light's Primary Stars Lead Jake Hannah. 

Ekwah and the Sunderland AFC team wore their Heart on their Sleeves on Foundation of Light Day.