Leeds United recently nominated Kalvin Phillips as their Community Player of the Year for 2019, an annual award that is sponsored by the PFA.

The midfielder was chosen for a third consecutive season following another year of going above and beyond when it comes to taking part in community projects, visiting foundation programmes and building strong relationships with members of the fanbase.

During the year Kalvin met six-year-old Sarah Emmott who has Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome, a rare genetic kidney disease, meaning long-term she will need a kidney transplant from a live donor to survive. They first met during filming for a show on Channel 5 called ‘Do The Right Thing’ where Kalvin surprised the youngster and invited her and her family to enjoy a special day at Elland Road. Since then they have continued to develop a special bond with Kalvin spending time at their home and helping to support and raise awareness around the campaign to help find Sarah a live kidney donor.

Phillips also visited a number of different Leeds United Foundation initiatives during 2019, spending time meeting vulnerable members of our local community to help support them along with staff at the club’s official charity. The 24-year-old attended a number of presentation evenings for local football teams, took part in a Walking Football tournament fundraiser, supported disability football sessions helping to encourage the disabled youngsters to continue playing football, engaged with the Premier League Primary Stars programme to help students develop their confidence, motivation and leadership skills, attended Soccer School sessions during half-terms and helped to reward and inspire youngsters that are part of the Premier League Kicks programme which involves students who are struggling with low attendance records and engagement levels.

The Academy product was also involved in a number of charitable projects, throwing his support behind the club’s partnership with Children's Heart Surgery Fund where he made a number of visits to Leeds Children’s Hospital to spend time trying to spread cheer to families going through difficult circumstances.

Kalvin is also a regular guest at club related events, attending the LUDO End of Season Awards, supporter Q and A events held at Elland Road, centenary related events such as the Centenary Roadshow at Millennium Square and paying a visit to the Centenary Exhibition along with leading the team out at the Leeds Christmas Light Switch-On event during the Christmas period.

The Leeds United fan favourite spoke about his nomination and said: “If I have the ability to possibly impact somebody's life for the better, whether it is inspiring them, making someone feel special or listened to or just putting a smile on someone’s face when they might be going through a difficult time, then I want to do that as much as possible.

“I grew up in Leeds and have been at the club for as long as I can remember so I think that makes it even more important for me to give back to the community, if it’s just visiting kids at a local school, taking part in one of the projects with the Foundation or supporting a Leeds United family or local charity. I really enjoy meeting new people from different backgrounds and listening to their stories, if by just getting involved in these initiatives I can help to make a difference then I want to do continue doing that."