Striker Recognised For Community Work
“I think it’s vital for the players to go out into the community,” he said.“Shrewsbury has a strong core of supporters but the next stage is to target the kids of the town.
“We really need to target kids from 3-10 years old. If we can target them, especially with the football we are playing at the moment and the ties we’ve had with teams like Chelsea, Manchester United and Leicester, it’s great.
“If we can get the kids and parents to come and watch our brand of football – which is only going to get better – will stand us in good stead for the ten years after.
“For a player who’s a Liverpool fan, if I got to meet Steven Gerrard or Robbie Fowler when I was younger, I’d remember it for the rest of my life.
“There’s kids who are Shrewsbury Town fans so if we can get out there and meet them and engage then they will remember it for the rest of their lives and hopefully their kids will be Shrewsbury Town fans when they’re older.”
Mangan believes it is important for the Shrewsbury Town players to work within the community due to the positive effect it can have.
“There’s been a lot. I went to Hope House (Children’s Hospice) last year.
“It was a bit of a mix-up. I think I actually had the day off and Jamie Edwards (Community Manager) had phoned me and said the community appearance was that day.
“I went to Hope House and the visit was just as good for me as it was for the kids. I really enjoyed my day and went to see a school as well and answered questions on diet and how to sleep at night, things like that.
“The visit to Hope House touched a thing in me. Players can help the community the way I love doing and the way they love doing themselves.
“If we can get a little bit more involved then it’s massive for the kids – it means a lot to them.”
Asked which his favourite community appearance was, Mangan said:
Mangan has visited local schools and hospices during the season.
“It’s a really proud moment for myself to be recognised for something that isn’t to do with football.
“It’s to do with something you’ve got a lot of time for and really care about.
“I’m surprised but it’s a proud moment.
“The people who have gone on to win it will have done fantastic things at their club but just to be nominated is a proud moment for myself and my family.” Mangan, who was presented with his award on community awareness day, said:
Every season, the PFA selects a ‘Community Champion’ from each club, recognising the players’ outstanding contributions in community projects throughout the season.
The Liverpudlian, who has been heavily involved with the work of Shrewsbury Town in the Community, also made the top six for PFA Player in the Community award at the 2016 Football League Awards.
Striker Andy Mangan has been named as Shrewsbury Town’s PFA Community Champion for the 2015/16 season.