Sheffield Wednesday is proud to announce that the club's community programme has been awarded The Football League's Silver Standard.

The award recognises community activities already undertaken and means the Owls' community programme will receive £48,000 to invest into community activities as part of the Trust's £1.72m pledge to community schemes across the country.

Sheffield Wednesday community manager, Marcus Brameld, said: "Gaining Silver Standard is a huge achievement for all of us here at Sheffield Wednesday. We aim to reach every area of the community from football training to educational support as well.

"This really is a credit to all involved and can help us reach a wider audience. It also gives the children a chance to see what life is like as a footballer with all the training involved, and they get to see some of their favourite stars in the process."

Wednesday first team professional Luke Boden was originally 'spotted' at one of the many camps that the Sheffield Wednesday community team run and was delighted to hear that they had received the recognition.

"I used to go to all the camps. It's all about getting out there and just enjoying football," Boden said. "I always wanted to play football and people would laugh when you say that's what you wanted to do, but that gives you more drive to succeed as a player.

"The community programme's football camps are great and give you a chance to enjoy football for a few days a week during the holidays."

Sheffield Wednesday are one of 31 clubs nationwide to secure Silver Status and Football League Trust general manager, Dave Edmundson, said: "I would like to heartily congratulate all the clubs who have achieved their Silver award.

"This is a wonderful indication of the new levels of impact and engagement that schemes are bringing to the communities they serve. More importantly, this demonstrates the impressive range of projects and initiatives delivered by League clubs in all four themes, and the partnerships being established in both the public and private sectors."