Brighton players become Albion in the Community ambassadors

Albion in the Community (AITC) announced Joel Veltman and Victoria Williams as its ambassadors for the season.

The pair have been regular visitors to the charity’s various sports sessions.

Williams, who captains the women’s side, has been an ambassador for two seasons already.

Veltman has taken the role on for the first time ever.

He has already been involved with AITC earlier this year, coming along to a disability football camp to hand out free Albion kits and sign shirts alongside Moises Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento.

Players and participants at a recent event

Veltman said: "It's my first event and I love it, I think it's really important for kids after school. Instead of being on the streets or somewhere else, they're playing on the pitch.

 "I remember when I was this age football was the only thing I wanted to do. A football was the only thing we had, and the most important thing we had."

Williams wants to inspire girls in the area to play football.

She said: "It's brilliant, these programmes are so important just to give everyone a chance to have a kick-about and make new friends.

 "I always say that's one of the best things to come out of football, the connections that you make. These kids are getting skills for life here."

Victoria Williams and Lewis Dunk at a recent event

CEO Matt Dorn is pleased to have the two Albion stars on board for the season.

He said: "We're delighted to be able to confirm Joel and Victoria as our ambassadors for the year. They are fantastic footballers and amazing individuals, and I've no doubt they'll have a massive impact on people in our local communities.

 "It makes such a big difference to have huge stars like them visit people out and about in Sussex. The star power of the Premier League and WSL is a really important tool in the work we do here, and I can't wait to see what they get up to this season."