Long-standing Reading community manager, Dave Evans, has been awarded the Memento Award from the Professional Footballers' Association [PFA] for his 'outstanding and continuous contribution to community roles.'

Mr Evans, who has been a popular face in local football for the past three decades, began his community work at Wycombe Wanderers with former Royal forward Neil Smilie.

Becoming manager of the Reading Community Trust in 2010, Mr Evans has been a community champion, leading hundreds of activities focusing on disability, sports participation, social inclusion.

The Community Trust also took on the Women's arm of the club over the summer after it dropped to an amateur set-up due to a lack of funding from Dai Yongge.

(Image: JasonPIX)

Being presented with the award ahead of Saturday's defeat to Burnley, Mr Evans said: "Having been a Community Trust Manager for nearly 28 years I am as excited today as I was all those years ago when I first took on the role. The work, outcomes, and people the Community Trust work with to tackle a number of social and national issues is not just focussed on young people but also adults and underrepresented groups in our society.

"The biggest achievement I get from the role is the ability to be able to help and support people through the brand and status of Reading FC. It is very easy to under estimate how powerful, inspirational and motivational the Football Club can be to vulnerable individuals, whether that is helping to increase their self-worth, motivation or lifestyle.

"This is made easier with the support I have from a fantastic team of staff, all motivated to help and support children and people within the local and surrounding communities. Whether is it support from the club and players, support from our fans, stakeholders, or sponsors, it is very much a team effort and this has been hugely highlighted during these current times of uncertainty.

"I hope the Trust can carry on serving the community, representing Reading FC for another 28 years, and help to improve and strengthen community links, ensuring both the Community Trust and the football club have local communities central to all its aims and objectives."

CEO of The PFA, Maheta Molango, added: "Dave is fully deserving of our PFA Memento Award. He has provided outstanding community service over 28 years both at Reading and previously at Wycombe Wanderers.

"His PFA advocacy throughout this period has been fantastic providing regular support for our members , the players. It was wonderful to celebrate with Dave’s family, trustees, club staff and our community team to fully recognise his achievements."