READING FC Community Trust will be taking part in the English Football League's Community Day of Action today.

The event will see all 72 EFL clubs come together to showcase the work they do in their communities up and down the country every day of the year.

Royals are staging a competition on the 3G pitches at the Madejski Stadium indoor training centre this morning for 10 local SEN (Special Educational Needs) schools.

And this afternoon Royals captain Paul McShane will lend his support by holding a training session with pupils from the Berkshire College of Agriculture.

Reading FC Community Trust Manager Dave Evans said: “It’s great to highlight the work that is delivered by a football club’s best kept secret which is their Community Trust.

“We engage with thousands of young people on a monthly basis, helping tackle local and national underlying issues which can impact society.”

The Reading FC Community Trust is a registered charity and is the community arm of the club.

Staff engage, develop and educate young people, with more than 3,500 participants from schools, youth clubs, local football clubs, sports centres and universities taking part each week.

There are five main areas of focus – health, education, social inclusion/community cohesion, sports participation and recruitment.

The EFL Community Day of Action offers clubs like Reading the chance to raise awareness and highlight the important work they do.

Approximately £50million is invested every season by the EFL Trust and Club Community Trusts to help people in need.

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said: “EFL clubs play a pivotal role in their communities and what our inaugural Day of Action makes abundantly clear is how this work is having a significant impact, not just on match days but 365 days a year.

“The power of football continues to be used to improve people’s health and wellbeing and provide increased opportunities to develop individuals’ education and career prospects.

“Such important work should be commended and clearly illustrates how EFL clubs and their Trusts are contributing to society outside of the game, achieving tangible results and lasting change.“