U'S stars have been named ambassadors for the club's Football in the Community programme.

Colchester United are launching a number of new programmes and first team players will be figureheads for the additions.

Captain Luke Prosser said: "The players are pleased to be supporting these new programmes.

"It is important for us to work within the local community and to meet many of those who come to watch us on a Saturday afternoon.

"The squad are looking forward to playing their part in promoting these new initiatives."

Prosser becomes the ambassador for the walking football programme, while Alex Wynter will combine roles with Premier League Kicks and Football in the Community.

Sammie Szmodics will lead on the development centre programme, with goalkeeper Sam Walker on the Football League sport and learn initiative, with James Bransgrove working on football in colleges.

Tom Lapslie will be casting his eye over grassroots, Denny Johnstone the holiday programme and Drey Wright will take on girls football.

Craigh Slater will be the ambassador for the Premier League Primary Stars School programme and Kane Vincent-Young takes charge of school sports.

Dave Palmer, PFA community liaison executive said: “Colchester United deserve great credit for the way in which they have linked their players into key areas of community work this season.

"It was fantastic to see so many players supporting a role as an ambassador at the meeting last week.

"Our members are hugely influential role models who have the ability to motivate, enthuse and inspire and I have no doubt that they will all make a positive impact within their chosen areas of support.”

The U's Football in the Community programme currently operates in 65 schools a week, working with over 6,500 participants and employing 27 staff.

Corin Haines, Colchester United community manager added: "Player engagement is a hugely important part of our delivery model, the players create live long memories through appearances and interaction with our participants.

"The role of our community ambassadors will enable the players to further support our work whilst acting as Colchester United Football in the Community representatives.

"The process has been superbly supported by the football club, the players themselves and PFA, we look forward to the ambassadors getting started in the coming weeks and them making an even greater impact within our community."