Author

Adam Baker writes

Posted Monday, April 16th 2018 @AdamBakerBCFC

I like helping people – Bryan

Monday, April 16th 2018

Joe Bryan says “affecting lives” is the biggest part of his job as a professional footballer.

The Bristolian has just been named the PFA’s Player in the Community at the annual EFL Awards.

Bryan – a product of the club’s Academy – enjoys using his position in the game to help others.

“The community is a massive part of our job,” the left-back told BCTV. “It’s not just nice for me to win this award, but for the club as a whole.

“The Community Trust has already been recognised (as South West Community Club of the Year) and is receiving a lot of publicity for that.

“I like helping people. Affecting people’s lives in a positive way is the biggest part of my job.

“Obviously I play football and I want to do as well as I can in that. However, when I retire, if people say ‘he did his bit off the pitch as well…and brought a lot of happiness’ then my career will have been a success.

“I’m in a privileged positon where I am able to help. It’s the little things really.

“A lot of it goes on in football but it doesn’t always get publicised. The negative press often sells, but there are plenty of positives behind the scenes.”

A homegrown quartet at the Community Camps

Joe Bryan visits the Family Area at Ashton Gate

“I like helping people. Affecting people’s lives in a positive way is the biggest part of my job."

Joe Bryan, PFA Player in the Community 2018

CHSW SUPPORT

For the past two seasons Bryan has been an ambassador for the Children’s Hospice South West, based at Charlton Farm, close to the club’s Failand training base.

Visiting the facilities regularly, the 24-year-old helps round up signed memorabilia for fundraising, as well as spreading joy to the kids and their families at Charlton Farm.

He added: “For the Children’s Hospice especially, and also the Community Trust, they need that publicity, it helps with funding.

“The Hospice literally runs thanks to people donating money; it’s the only way for them to stay open. With the platform and fanbase that we have, it’s a great way to make people aware of their great work.”

Fellow Academy product Bobby Reid was named in the EFL Football Manager Team of the Year at the same awards.