EDDIE Howe has spoken of how visits to the community keep AFC Bournemouth’s players grounded.

The Cherries boss discussed the importance of the engagement as keynote speaker at the annual chairman’s luncheon held at Vitality Stadium.

“Being a Premier League player is a wonderful thing, but it’s like a bubble and you are wrapped in your own existence where everything is done for you,” said Eddie.

“Going out into the community, particularly to a school, is really one of the few times players get to see life from another viewpoint – sometimes it can really ground them and it is very important that they are grounded and see different things in life.

“Also, there is the ability to give back to other people, making a difference to their lives. That feeling is huge for the players and they get a real buzz from it. All round, it is hugely beneficial.”

The AFC Business event, which also featured chairman Jeff Mostyn and head of community Steve Cuss was on the theme of the club’s equality, diversity and inclusion.

Jeff spoke of the club’s Everyone Together campaign which celebrates the club’s diverse fan base, culminating in a video featuring 22 supporters explaining how AFC Bournemouth positively affects their lives.

“Equality, diversity and inclusion are so important to us,” he said. “We have made such incredible inroads in the work we have to do and we have had many accolades bestowed upon us. It is all well and good ticking boxes but you have to actually do something about it – and we like to think we do.

“Everybody at the club has bought into this full inclusion programme. I don’t think there is any community sports trust attached to a Premier League club that succeeds like ours, but there is still a long way to go.”

Steve highlighted how the club’s community department had grown from 12 members of staff when the club entered the Premier League to 28 full-timers and 11 part-timers .

“I am proud of the projects we deliver,” said Steve. “We have always prided ourselves on being a community club and what we’ve got here is a real local feel – with 4,000 people getting involved with us every week.”