ORIENT COMMUNITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN FOCUS

LOCSP Press Release: Monday 6 July 2009

ORIENT COMMUNITY PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN FOCUS
O’s star Loick reflects on his award and faces tough questioning from young reporters

Leyton, London - O’s player Loick Pires took time out of his intensive pre-season training today to reflect on his Community Player of the Year Award with a group of local young people from the Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) Education Centre.

The 19-year-old winger, who recently signed a new deal at Brisbane Road answered questions from the youngsters on a variety of topics ranging from his experiences as a professional footballer, his Congolese and Portuguese heritage to current affairs such as the money involved in football and the death of Michael Jackson.

The youngsters are currently working with LOCSP on the national ‘Supporter to Reporter’ (S2R) project which aims to train the nations youngsters as sports journalists, ready for the London 2012 Olympics.

“The questions they asked were really interesting,” said Loick. “I wasn’t expecting such a variety but they really dug deep and asked questions that no-one had asked before – it makes a change from the usual questions you get around a matchday.”

After the trainee journalists had finished their Q&A, Loick reflected on his first season as a professional which culminated in the Leyton Orient Community Player of the Year Award.

The accolade, which is awarded by coaches and staff from LOCSP, was given to Loick at the clubs’ annual ‘Player of the Year Awards’ ceremony back in May and it was something that Loick was surprised, but honoured to receive.

“I had no idea I was going to win the award,” said the former Stoke City player. “All the lads at my table seemed to know I was going to get it, but when I did it came as a surprise.

“After the ceremony I went straight and showed it to my mum.

“She always said to me that when you have got something you should always share it and this is why it is important for me to work in the community.

“I am truly honoured to win this award and it is the start of a formidable partnership between the community programme and me.

“It’s something close to my heart and for me to be part of it in any way is a real honour.

“I’ve been living in the Waltham Forest area for the past three years and seen how LOCSP has an effect; it’s more than a community sports programme - it brings lots of different people together.

“If there is anything we as players can do to raise the awareness of the work they do then it can only benefit everyone connected with it.

“It’s a privilege to work with one of the best community sports programmes in the UK and I hope to do my best for them in the future.”

For more information about Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme please contact 020 8556 5973, email enquiries@locsp.org or visit their website at www.locsp.org.

Additional quotes:

Daniel Fenner, Football Development Manager, Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme said:
“Loick has been a complete role model for everyone involved with Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme.

“No matter what is asked of him – interviews for the kids, education events, and community or sports development events – he always says yes and comes along and conducts himself in a personable and professional way with a smile on his face.”

“Everyone here wishes him well in the forthcoming season and we look forward to continuing our work with him.”

Neil Taylor, Chief Executive, Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme said:
“2009 is our 20th Anniversary as an organisation and with our award for Community Club of the Year we thought it was fitting to introduce this new award.

“Players can often get a negative press, but Loick particularly has gone over and above what is expected of a modern day footballer and this award is truly deserved.”