The Eagles are reaching more than the heights of the Premier League and Zee Williams of the Crystal Palace FC Foundation is living proof.

The Foundation is celebrating after being presented with the award for the Best Community Scheme in the Premier League earlier this month.

It was won as a direct result of the Foundation’s “Aspire to Engage” employment programme, which will be entering its second phase of delivery in early 2016.

Originally developed in partnership with Croydon Council and Croydon Voluntary Action, the programme focuses on reshaping the lives of young adults who struggle with personal, behavioral or emotional issues.

It also addresses the social and cultural tensions - such as youth unemployment and crime – that occur in Croydon, and aims to give positive pathways for young people to gain the education and training they need to reach the job market.

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Williams, a development administrator at the Foundation, is one such benefactor.

She began her journey with the Foundation as a programme participant after a stint in prison, before going on to gain her FA level one badge while receiving training and mentoring through the 12-week intensive course.

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Winners: Ray Stubbs, community development director Soye Briggs, chair of trustess David Groves, head of the Foundations Donald Forde and Mark Lawrenson

Williams, who is now a full time coach, said: “It is great to have journeyed ‘full circle’ with the Foundation. I began as a participant, low on confidence and self-esteem, and a job was bottom of my priority list.

“I now deliver on behalf of the Crystal Palace FC Foundation as a FA accredited coach with my own sessions and content.

“The Aspire course was the turning point in my life and I thank the Foundation for having the vision to make a difference in young people’s lives.”

The Foundation, who were runners up last year at the Football Business awards, fended off competition from Everton, QPR, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to claim the award.

Now in its fourth year, the Football Business awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the football industry, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to shape the sports infrastructure.

The ceremony was awash with legends of the footballing world, past and present, and hosted by former footballer and BT Sports correspondent Ray Stubbs and guest host Mark Lawrenson.

Crystal Palace chief executive Phil Alexander said: “The Foundation’s work within our community has grown at a tremendous rate and we are delighted with the difference they make under the badge of CPFC.

“I am sure this will be the first of many successes and we are pleased that our community programme has received the recognition it deserves.”

For more information about the Crystal Palace FC Foundation go to cpfcfoundation.org