Mariappa, teammate earn PFA awards

Reggae Boyz defender Adrian Mariappa and his Watford Football Club teammate Adekite Fatuga-Dada were both recently presented with the Professional Football Association (PFA) community champions awards for their work with the community during the 2019-20 season.

Mariappa and Fatuga-Dada were hailed for the exceptional quantity and quality of their engagements with members of the public during appearances with the club's official charity, Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust, or initiatives such as Junior Hornets and Hornets at Home.

Both players were winning the award for the second time in recent seasons. The PFA is the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales.

Rob Smith, Watford's community director, told the watfordobserver.co.uk that Mariappa and Fatuga-Dada are two very good role models for young persons in their community as they consistently showcase the values of Watford FC.

"This year this has been as evident as ever, meeting fans of the club, of course, but also inspiring those that don't have an affiliation with us through football," said Smith.

"I am particularly grateful for their support at our celebration event earlier this year, speaking on stage about their commitment to the community and why supporting the work of the trust is so important," he said.

"This trophy was the least we could do to acknowledge the contribution they have both made," Smith added.

Mariappa, who won 49 international caps for Jamaica's Reggae Boyz, will be plying his trade in the English Championships after Watford were demoted from the Premier League at the end of last season.

The 33-year-old Mariappa is expected to play a vital role for the Reggae Boyz in next year's CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. The qualifiers are scheduled to start in June.