Pompey have been shortlisted for three prizes at the 2012 Football League Awards.
The club has been named the Coca-Cola Community Club of the Year for the South West and is in the running to take the national accolade at this year’s ceremony.
The club has also been nominated for the Tokio Marine Family Club of the Year award, while Joel Ward has been shortlisted for the PFA Player in the Community title.
Pompey were considered to be the best example of a Community Club in the region and will face four other finalists from the South East, Midlands, North East and North West.
In undertaking key community projects in health, social inclusion, education and sports participation, Pompey displayed strong levels of engagement across all categories and have connected with over 33,000 people locally in the last year.
Bury, Milton Keynes Dons, Notts County and Rotherham United complete the shortlist for the Community Club of the Year award – which was won last year by Southend United.
Mike Evans, general manager of The Football League Trust, said: “Community engagement is a core value of The Football League and its clubs, who have once again demonstrated their commitment to making a difference to local people’s lives through the power of football.
“We saw community schemes doing some superb work in 2011 and I wish all those shortlisted clubs the best of luck on the night.”
In being nominated for the Family Club of the Year award, Pompey’s commitment to creating a family-friendly atmosphere at Fratton Park has been rewarded.
Development of areas such as Kidzone, an interactive children’s area for families to attend pre-match, combined with family specific ticket offers have been singled out as part of the club’s efforts to nurture the fans of the future.
The shortlist for this award also includes Cardiff City, Dagenham & Redbridge, Huddersfield Town, Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers.
David Malkinson, head of marketing at The Football League, said: “Football League clubs are dedicated to attracting young fans and their families to grounds across the country. It is essential for clubs to attain and maintain the highest standards for families to ensure their long-term future and it is fantastic to see so many at such a high standard again this year.”
And Joel Ward will come up against Noel Hunt (Reading) and Tamika Mkandawire (Millwall) in the battle for the PFA Player in the Community award.
The 22-year-old from Emsworth has come through Pompey’s youth ranks to establish his place as a regular member of the Blues’ first-team.
And throughout this time, he has continually shown his commitment to the club by working with a number of its community projects, including working as a mentor for the Extra Time reading scheme, visiting a six-year-old child from one of the most deprived areas of the city every week.
This year’s Football League Awards will be held at a gala ceremony on Sunday, March 11 at The Brewery in London.
To find out more about The Football League Awards and for a full list of categories, please visit www.FLAwards.com