Leyah Maddix and Kal Naismith have been crowned Luton Town’s 2025/26 PFA Community Champions, recognising their outstanding commitment and support within the Luton and Bedfordshire community.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Community Champion Awards celebrate players who go above and beyond to make a positive difference in their local communities, using their platform to inspire and support local communities.
Nominated by Luton Town Community Trust, the duo received their awards from students at Queen Elizabeth School, one of the Trust’s partner schools.
Kal and Leyah took part in a school PE lesson, each coaching a side in a football match, before taking part in a Q&A session where students asked questions about pursuing their ambitions, overcoming setbacks, and their experiences in football, as well as reflecting on the recent Vertu Trophy win and the importance of supporting the local community.
Throughout the season, Leyah has supported the Trust’s work around women and girls’ participation, violence against women and girls, and mental health, helping to raise awareness and break down barriers.
Kal has supported programmes focused on mental health and schools, while also helping to celebrate Premier League Kicks participant Tristan, who was chosen as Luton Town’s Community Captain following significant improvements in his confidence and self-esteem since taking part in Premier League Kicks sessions as part of the Premier League’s More Than A Game campaign.
Bert Klemmer, Programmes Manager (Education, Employability & Learning) at Luton Town Community Trust, said: “We are delighted to name Leyah and Kal as our 2025/26 PFA Community Champions in recognition of their outstanding contribution to community work throughout the season across our local communities.
"Leyah and Kal’s recognition highlights not only their dedication to supporting the local community, but also the powerful role they have played in inspiring confidence, creating opportunities and making a lasting difference in the lives of people across Luton and Bedfordshire. They have gone above and beyond to support Community Trust's projects and we are incredibly proud to celebrate the positive difference they have made."
Queen Elizabeth School plays a key role in the Trust’s community work, hosting a range of programmes including the Post-16 Football & Education Programme, Premier League Kicks, Premier League Inspires and holiday camps.
These initiatives provide young people with opportunities to combine football with education, develop important life skills, access mentoring and personal development support, and engage in positive activities that help them realise their potential.
