Wednesday 26 April 2017 17:40, UK
Portsmouth defender Christian Burgess was one of a number footballers helping to celebrate the EFL Community Day of Action, that saw all 72 clubs come together to showcase the work they do in their local communities.
The centre-back took part in a Wheels for All session - a free cycling initiative for children and adults with disabilities and differing needs.
"There's a lot of work that goes into the community," Burgess said. "We are lucky at Portsmouth that we have a great team that reach out and try to increase participation. It's a pleasure that we, as footballers, are lucky enough to come down and help at these events."
It's been an impressive year for the former Middlesbrough defender, in which he has been instrumental in sealing Portsmouth's promotion to League One, and he understands just how important the fans are to the team's success.
"You get a massive community feel in this city and it's really special," he said. "Everybody here lives and breathes Portsmouth Football Club and therefore it's important that we do our best and reach out. Support goes both ways, and this season has been a great one with plenty of unity amongst fans and people at the club."
The south coast club recently won the EFL community club of the year and Clare Martin, chief executive of Portsmouth in the Community, admitted the feelgood factor is back at the club.
"When you get that outside recognition plus the city celebrating going back up to League One, what we have been feeling is suddenly out there in the open and it's incredible."
