The Award, which is part of the Premier League's 10 seasons celebrations which look back on the past decade of top-flight English football, recognises the player who has done most to use his position as a professional footballer to make a difference to people's lives.

A specially commissioned panel, which reviewed a shortlist of ten players before making their decision, selected Lucas as the winner in recognition of his achievement of making a real difference to people's lives in communities on two different continents.

Other players who were nominated for the award included Warren Barton, John Barnes, Dion Dublin, Bryan Gunn, Gary Mabbutt, Chris Powell, Niall Quinn, David Unsworth and Tommy Wright.

Since joining Leeds United from Kaiser Chiefs in September 1994, Lucas has been the focal point of award winning educational schemes and anti-racism schemes that have tackled social inclusion problems in inner city Leeds.

Lucas has been heavily involved in the Leeds United Book Challenge, launched two years ago, that aimed to use the power of football to encourage children and adults who may not normally be interested in reading to become members of their local library.

The campaign was a massive success, winning the Big Issue Difference Award for a medium sized business, and inspired 12,500 people of all ages to read an extra 500,000 books during the project.

Radebe has also played a major role in the Leeds United Against Racism Schools Project that has encouraged children to develop strategies to tackle racism within the classroom, the school and the local community.

Lucas has also done a tremendous amount of work in the community in his native South Africa, for which he received the 2000 FIFA Fair Play Footballer of the Year Award.

Working as part of the FIFA's SOS Children's Villages Campaign, Lucas has dedicated much of his time to hosting coaching clinics in deprived villages. Amongst his numerous appearances for charity, he also has been involved in Starfish, a charity that attempts to tackle the problems of Aids in Southern Africa.

Dave Richards, the Chairman of the Premier League, who sat on the panel to decide the winner of the award said: "There are many people involved in football who do a tremendous amount for their local community who don't get the credit they deserve, all those short listed for the award are worthy of praise.

"Lucas Radebe has done ample to deserve this accolade and is an example for us all to follow as someone who has not just worked hard for the people of Leeds, but has also found the time and energy to help the communities of his homeland.

Lucas Radebe said: "I am delighted to be the recipient of this award. It is a great honour for me and my family. I could never have guessed when I arrived in England from South Africa to play for Leeds United back in August 1994 that I would enjoy such a wonderful career at such a great football club. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside the Leeds United community department.

"Professional football is under the microscope for many reasons but few people notice the good work that is being done in education and grass roots football by the kind of community-related activities we have at Leeds United and other clubs. I have been fortunate to be involved with our anti-racism, educational, social and charitable initiatives and this award not only reflects my efforts but those of the many people connected with Leeds United.

"For me Football equals Community. I have seen the way our sport has acted as a vehicle for change. Having achieved a level and status as a professional player in the Premier League and in South Africa, means I have been lucky enough to have been in a position to make a difference"

Sport figures from around the world have paid tribute to Lucas Radebe's achievement.

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President, said: "The following ideals accurately define the values that are to be found in an exemplary football player - Sporting excellence, an outstanding spirit of fair play, dedication and sacrifice in the struggle against all kinds of discrimination, a role model for young people.

"These are only some of the qualities embodied by Lucas Radebe, worthy winner of the FIFA Fair Play Award in 2000 and a shining example of fair play both on and off the field.

"Lucas Radebe, distinguished ambassador for fair play: please accept my sincere congratulations on the 10 Seasons Award for Contribution to the Community and my thanks for your tireless commitment and your invaluable contribution to football."

Gerhard Aigner, Chief Executive of UEFA, said: "I am delighted to see that the Premier League is not only celebrating its first decade on the pitch, but is also recognising the important role the stars of our game play in using the power of football as a force for good in all of society.

"I would like to congratulate Lucas Radebe on winning the Premier League Award for Contribution to the Community. His efforts in helping local communities in both Leeds and South Africa are a fine example for footballers across Europe to follow."

Richard Caborn, Minister for Sport, said: ""Lucas Radebe has set a shining example for his fellow professionals in the area of community work. His tireless efforts in the last decade and more, help to tackle the image of footballers as people whose only focus is on their pay packets and the high life.

"Lucas has worked in some of the toughest areas in this country and the world, making a special connection with people; helping them to have more complete, enjoyable lives. I am delighted to have the chance to congratulate him on this award. He is a worthy winner."

Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the PFA said: "Football's high profile gives our top players the opportunity to be role models not only for their local communities but for society as a whole. Lucas Radebe has been that role model and his contribution to the community has been suitably recognised and is deserving of our most sincere congratulations."