Albion star becomes ambassador for club's charity

Rafferty, who is a member of Hope Powell’s FA Women’s Super League 2 squad, has become a regular at Albion in the Community (AITC) sessions and was invited to become one of the charity’s official ambassadors after displaying a real passion for community work.

She joins existing AITC ambassadors Jadey Yesilada, who works for the charity delivering disability awareness training and plays for one of AITC’s powerchair teams, and Liam Rosenior, who last season was a finalist in the PFA Player in the Community Award category at the EFL Awards.

Rafferty said: “I am delighted to become an official ambassador for AITC. I have really enjoyed attending sessions with the charity and finding out more about the work it does. I have seen the impact the charity has on the local community and am really looking forward to being able to help it continue its work in any way that I can.

“I love playing for Brighton and Hove Albion and football is such a big part of my life. If I can give something back to the game and the club’s local community, I will be only too pleased.”

Rafferty’s new role will see her continue to support AITC and champion the charity’s work and Matt Dorn, the charity’s chief executive officer, was delighted to be able to add a player from the women’s team to the charity’s list of ambassadors.

He said: “We are incredibly fortunate at Albion in the Community in that we benefit from the support of players and staff from all areas of the football club.

“Having Laura join our other existing ambassadors is a real boost for the charity. I was really impressed by her interest and commitment to community work and very pleased when she accepted our invitation to join Jadey and Liam as an official ambassador.

“I look forward to see Laura at even more of our sessions over the coming season – particularly our initiatives focused on girls’ football because I know what a fantastic role model Laura is and how enthusiastic she is about encouraging more girls to play the sport.”

Rafferty and a number of her FA Women’s Super League 2 teammates have also volunteered their time to help AITC’s fundraise before Brighton and Hove Albion’s Premier League game with Everton.

The match takes place on October 15 at the American Express Community Stadium and will see AITC celebrate 20 years since the launch of its first inclusive football session for people with a disability.

Fans are being encouraged to bring a £1 with them to donate to AITC’s pre-match bucket collection.

Money raised will help fund the charity’s award-winning work across Sussex.