OLDHAM Athletic captain Carl Piergianni has been crowned PFA Community Champion for the season year in a row in recognition for his efforts with Oldham Athletic Community Trust.

Latics captain received the award at the end of last season initially after supporting the community work done by OACT in a difficult year for all concerned as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

And the defender retained his title for continuing his role at the club and in the community throughout the 2021/22 campaign, regardless of the tough time Latics were experiencing in their relegation season.

Piergianni helped to liaise player visits with OACT and the first team to ensure all members of the squad participated in community work and school visits - both virtually and in person as coronavirus restrictions were relaxed.

On receiving the award, Piergianni said; “I’m honoured to be acknowledged again for the second year in a row. I really enjoy getting involved in the incredible work Oldham Athletic Community Trust does because it’s important for players to act as positive role models for all our fans and the community of Oldham.”

The Trust was limited to virtual player visits during the summer, as they had been during a behind closed doors 2020/21 season.

During one conducted with Piergianni, questions were put to the skipper on a Zoom call with youngsters at Woodlands Holiday Club last summer, when the squad was preparing for the start of the 2021/22 season.

The children took it in turns to ask the 30-year-old questions, including who inspired him, and what would he do if he wasn’t a footballer?

“Growing up I always used to watch my Dad play football for his local team, and just seeing him play always made me want to play,” he said.

“I’ve always played football and always wanted to be a footballer, but I really enjoy fitness and training in the gym so I think if I wasn’t playing football then I would probably work in a gym as a personal trainer.”

Later in the season, when in person visits were permitted, Piergianni accompanied team-mate Nicky Adams to an Under 14 Girls Tournament to celebrate 15 years of Premier League Kicks, where they fielded similar questions.

They are just two examples of the many events that Piergianni has been involved in to again be crowned PFA Community Champion.

A club spokesman said: “Carl has been a fantastic role model yet again during the latest campaign and always goes above and beyond in working with OACT supporting the community work across a year where they have been adapting to a new ‘normal life’ with the effects of the pandemic still looming

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Martin Vose, head of community at Oldham Athletic Community Trust, added: “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Carl Piergianni for all that he does to support our community delivery.

“Carl engages on all projects with care and genuine interest, fully embracing all that we have asked him to be a part of and liaising with the whole team to engage in our initiative.”