SWINDON TOWN have been named as the EFL Community Club of the season for Sky Bet League Two.

Town’s commitment to integrating and supporting refugees in the Wiltshire area is what set the club apart from the rest of the division.

The initiative was made possible due to their collaboration with The Harbour Project, a local non-profit organization which provide advice, support and practical help for any individual who seeks asylum or is granted refugee status in Swindon.

The EFL judging panel acknowledged Town’s willingness to use football as a force for good to build connections and drive positive change.

Last month, a Swindon squad made up entirely of refugees played their first ever fixture at the Foundation Park, giving the participants an opportunity to play in a safe environment, help improve communication and build relationships within the community.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Swindon Community Foundation had named their brand-new covered sports facility, the Nigel Eady Training Centre.

The Nigel Eady Trust, which was set up on the passing of the life-long Town fan Nigel Eady, helped fund the construction of the Foundation Park and recent training centre.

The new facility will provide disabled people in the community an opportunity to play football in a sheltered location, regardless of the weather.

Elsewhere, Wigan Athletic (Championship) and Plymouth Argyle (League One) also won the divisional award for their off the field efforts this campaign.

Accolades for EFL Player in the Community, went to Rotherham United’s Hakeem Odoffin in the Championship, George Edmundson of Ipswich in League One, and Leyton Orient’s Omar Beckles took the top spot in League Two.

Trevor Birch, CEO of the EFL, said: “Our Clubs and their Club Community Organisations play an integral role in their communities, responding to the ever-changing needs of local people at an unprecedented scale.

“Last season alone, our Clubs and CCOs engaged over 840,000 people and generated more than £101m for community investment. 

It’s an honour and privilege to celebrate this outstanding work in Parliament.”