Leyton Orient’s Omar Beckles was named the PFA Player in the Community at the 2023 EFL Awards ceremony in London last night.

The award recognises the player whose involvement in his community has gone over and above that which would normally be expected, either due to the breadth of involvement in community programmes or due to the depth of support for one particular project or activity.

Beckles joined O's in the summer of 2021 and quickly established himself as wanting to actively engage with the community through his own initiatives - most notably his own Hub365 Foundation and in partnership with Leyton Orient Trust and their extensive youth and community networks. 

That commitment was also personal as he had grown up in Waltham Forest – where Orient is based – and very much felt he was coming home.

“Throughout my playing career I have always been involved off the pitch and campaigned on issues that are important to me," said Beckles.

"Coming back to the borough where I grew up to play for Orient has been a real privilege and working with the club and Trust has given me the opportunity to raise awareness even more.

"Being recognised by my peers at last year’s awards was great but I knew that I wanted to give more and really support and make a difference to young people in the local area.”

O's also saw head coach Richie Wellens walk off with the League Two manager of the year award, having led the side to the title, and Beckles was joined in the Team of the Year by Lawrence Vigouroux and Idris El Mizouni.

They visit Mansfield on Tuesday night, before hosting Stockport County in their last home game of the season at Brisbane Road on Saturday.