It will highlight the value of clubs’ work within local communities across England and Wales, reinforcing that the Premier League is More Than A Game.
Premier League Kicks began 20 years ago as a pilot programme with four clubs and a partnership with the Metropolitan Police.
The Premier League now funds 93 clubs across the Premier League, EFL and National League to run Premier League Kicks.
All Premier League, EFL and National League clubs that deliver Premier League Kicks have had the opportunity to nominate a Community Captain and we’re proud to introduce ours.
Lily is a young woman aged 13 who regularly attends our Premier League Kicks session at Newport Community Hub, one of the most deprived areas of Teesside.
Lily started the Premier League Kicks programme in September 2023 and has had a high level of engagement since her first session, participating in 161 sessions to date across two sites, Newport and Teesside University.
Throughout Lily’s engagement on the programme, her confidence, self-esteem, communication and community cohesion has improved. This has been evident through her positive attitudes in sessions and her friendly approach with staff and peers.
Lily has also completed the Premier League Changemakers programme, attended a residential trip to the Lake District and has now progressed onto being a participant volunteer at the Newport Community Hub younger session.
Lily has built a positive rapport with the young people and the staff during the session, showing great care for others when volunteering and ensuring everyone is included during sessions.
The impact of the programme on Lily has been remarkable.
Throughout her engagement, her progress with ability in football, as well as her social skills, has increased, and she has grown into being a confident young person. The programme has also provided Lily with opportunities. For example, a residential trip to the Lake District providing once in a lifetime experiences, such as gorge walking and kayaking.
Lily has also completed a social action within the Changemakers programme. The social action gave Lily the opportunity to give back to her community as she participated in a gift donation on a matchday and later went to James Cook University Hospital and distributed hampers to young people on the children’s ward.
Lily’s impact on the programme comes as she has progressed into being a participant volunteer at her local Premier League Kicks session.