WE’RE proud to announce that Natalie Guy has been named a Premier League Community Captain in recognition of her incredible work with the Primary Stars programme.
The Community Captain accolade is being given to more than 100 people who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Natalie was presented with a captain’s armband, pennant and scarf by Marc Bola and recent signing Rodrigo Muniz at Boro’s Rockliffe Park training ground.
Outlining the reason why Natalie was afforded the accolade, Head of Foundation Lynsey Edwards said: “Natalie is an inspiring staff member, to her team and to the young people she has engaged over the years. There are personal, individual engagement stories from staff and young people where Natalie has been a positive role model over the years.
“Natalie has developed some fantastic relationships with schools over her time at the Foundation, and through those relationships supported 1,000’s of children through P.E. sessions.
“She has personally delivered many sessions herself, not just in dance but multi-sports, but her leadership of the school sports and PL Primary Stars programmes has enabled so many young people from across Teesside to have opportunities to take part in P.E. sessions, not just in school but after school and within school holidays too.
“The tournaments that Natalie has led on have engaged over 20,000 young people across her time at the Foundation and her personable and likeable style and interaction with young people and adults alike has definitely contributed to the success of our programmes.”
Marc Bola said: “It was great to present the award to Natalie. She’s clearly made a difference to the local community and is a great example for the great work that our Foundation that does in the area.”
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “As we mark 30 years since the Premier League first kicked off, it is important we celebrate the unsung heroes who deliver brilliant work in their communities. These people – whether they are participants, coaches, volunteers or long-time employees – are the lifeblood of their clubs and their communities.
“The continued success of Premier League football enables us to provide unprecedented investment in communities and wider football. As we look to the future, we are committed to investing more than ever, to help develop the game and provide opportunities to people of all ages.”