Wed 29 Apr - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Goalkeepers Josh Vickers and Lucy Jones have been named Derby County’s PFA Community Champions for the 2025/26 season in recognition of their work in the community.
During his time with the Rams, Vickers has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Derby community, both on and off the pitch.
His natural supportive nature, professionalism and humility make him a standout role model for younger players progressing through the Academy, consistently showing them what it means to represent the club with integrity in community settings.
A highlight of Vickers’ involvement during the 2025/26 season was his visit to Roe Farm Primary School alongside teammate Owen Eames.
The pair spent the afternoon participating in book-themed activities, including quizzes and discussions designed to spark pupils’ enthusiasm for reading. With Josh’s encouragement, the ‘Be Ambitious’ team emerged victorious.
Earlier in the season, the goalkeeper also took part in a Q&A panel for the Community Trust’s Football and Education students. Known for his resilience and leadership, Vickers spoke candidly about discipline, perseverance and trusting the process, messages that resonated strongly with the young people in attendance.
Derby County Women’s shot-stopper, Jones, has been an outstanding advocate for the work of Derby County Community Trust throughout the 2025/26 season. She has consistently demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference across a wide range of community programmes.
A central focus of Lucy’s engagement this year has been inspiring and empowering girls to participate in football. She supported local rounds of the Premier League Primary Stars Girls Cup and played a hands-on role at the Trust’s Biggest Ever Girls Football event, which welcomed girls who had never played football before.
Alongside her commitments as a Women’s First Team player, Jones also serves as a coach within the Community Trust’s Female Talent Pathway, supporting young players to reach their potential. As goalkeeper coach for the Under-9 to Under-12 squads, she dedicates her time to developing their technical skills, confidence and love for the game.
As a charity, collaboration is a key element to the Community Trust’s delivery, and each season, players become some of our strongest collaborators. Their involvement has amplified programmes, inspired participants and proved that Derby County is the heartbeat of our community.
Josh and Lucy received their awards at the End of Season Awards Dinner held at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday 28th April.
Everyone at Derby County and Derby County Community Trust would like to congratulate both Josh and Lucy on their awards and extend a huge thank you for their support and dedication to the community activity this season.
