Ryan’s pride for ‘unbelievable’ Albion in the Community
Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Maty Ryan has spoken of his pride at the work being done by Albion in the Community after confirming he would remain as one of the charity’s official ambassadors.
The Australian international was named as one of three charity ambassadors last season and will continue in the role alongside Barclays FA Women’s Super League player Laura Rafferty and Jadey Yesilada, who works for Albion in the Community and has represented Brighton & Hove Albion Powerchair FC.
Albion in the Community is one of the leading football charities in the UK and works with tens of thousands of people each year, using football as a way of inspiring people to be more active, lead healthier lives, do better in school, and improve their future prospects.
It is a cause Ryan is only too-pleased to support.
He said, “From the moment I joined the football club I was made aware of the amazing work being done by Albion in the Community.
“As a charity it really does change people’s lives for the better. It is unbelievable how many people it is helping and it’s something every single person at the football club is proud of.
“As players we are in a privileged position in that we get to play the sport we all love, in amazing stadiums and come to work each day at the training ground, which is a world class facility. But I know for many of the people who attend sessions with Albion in the Community, just having the chance to play football is huge and something which means so much to them.
“It was a real honour to be asked to be one of Albion in the Community’s official ambassadors last season and I’m delighted to be continuing in the role.”
Ryan confirmed he would remain in his ambassadorial role in the lead-up to this weekend’s Premier League game with Everton – a fixture which will see the football club celebrate the fantastic impact Albion in the Community is having on the thousands of people it works with.
Fans coming to the Premier League game are being asked to donate £1 – or whatever they can afford – to a pre and post-match bucket collection, with supporters also given the option to make a contactless donation outside the stadium.
Last season’s Albion in the Community match raised more than £35,000 and the charity is hoping to top that total this weekend.
Ryan said, “Our fans are outstanding and their support means a huge amount to all the players.
“I also know how much their support means to everyone at Albion in the Community. The charity can only do the amazing things it does with the support of our fans, so I hope they are as proud of Albion in the Community as I am.”