Community Captains deliver life-changing programmes
By Premier League Primary Stars · Fri 28 February 2025
They are the unsung heroes and people who go above and beyond the call of duty week in, week out, to benefit the lives of others.
By Premier League Primary Stars · Fri 28 February 2025
They are the unsung heroes and people who go above and beyond the call of duty week in, week out, to benefit the lives of others.
Football is so much more than a game.
It has a unique ability to positively impact people of all ages and backgrounds – from fans watching in the stands to the millions playing grassroots football, and all those involved in community programmes run by clubs.
Community Captains embody this spirit.
They are the unsung heroes and people who go above and beyond the call of duty week in, week out, to benefit the lives of others.
Josh, Bianca and Nick are some of more than 100 Community Captains being recognised throughout the Premier League, EFL and National League for making a significant contribution to their Premier League-funded programmes and society.
Nick Bradshaw has been working for Manchester United Foundation for nearly two decades, helping local school kids.
"I enjoy working with young people and being able to give those [an] opportunity [for] what we do as a club and a foundation," said Bradshaw, who is a MU Foundation youth coach and primary school assistant manager.
As a reward for his dedication to helping his community, Manchester United named Bradshaw as their Community Captain as part of the Premier League's 'More Than A Game' celebration.
"To see the kids outside and their reactions to the players coming down was brilliant," said Bradshaw, who said. "They got to meet the players and do a bit of interviewing.
"Being able to give back and seeing them thriving, the opportunities we give them, I get a real buzz from doing that. It feels really good to be acknowledged for the work that you do."
"Being a fan of the club and getting that noise by some of the first team is something I won't forget."
For many people in Hartlepool, Bianca Owens is an inspirational figure in their lives.
She works as a coach for Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, offering support and guidance through Premier League programmes and funds to improve mental and physical wellbeing and to promote a healthy lifestyle for participants of all ages.
In recognition of her commitment and contribution to her local community, Bianca was this week named as Hartlepool United's Premier League Community Captain at a special event attended by first-team player Joe Grey.
"I am honoured to have been chosen as the Community Captain for Hartlepool United," Bianca said. "The work that football club foundations do within their local communities is so important for the physical and mental wellbeing of so many people and the support provided by the Premier League to enable this great work is vital.
"I will continue to work hard to provide opportunities for those living in and around Hartlepool to live happier and healthier lives through our programmes."
She also leads local women's and girls' activity, promoting positive health and wellbeing in the community.
As well as this, Bianca works with the Hartlepool United Dementia Group, which is funded by the Premier League Fans Fund.
With this group, she creates a positive impact addressing people's mental health needs while running activities ranging from chair exercises to arts and crafts and a walking group for more active members.
As well as the usual activities of assemblies and lessons, Josh was presented with the club's Premier League Community Captain award for his dedication to both the Wrexham AFC Foundation and to the young people in his local community.
"I've seen some of the people who have received the Community Captain award over the last couple of years and following their stories has been really inspiring," he says. "To receive the award was a big shock. It was a proud feeling that someone's recognised me in the same light.
Josh has been with Wrexham for the last 10 years after joining the club as an 18-year-old. Initially he was a football coach but he soon progressed to become a full-time member of staff at the Foundation and has helped deliver the Premier League Primary Stars programme since it began in 2017.
"Premier League Primary Stars has been an important part of my life; it has given me a job and it has also given me the opportunity to prove myself," he says.
"We are always thinking about what we are learning and how we can improve. I go to national programme conferences, there's networking and report writing. The programme has pushed me and challenged me.”
"For schools, it provides that spark, that excitement," Josh says. "We enrich learning. We're not doing anything teachers haven't done before but what we do inspires children differently. It takes things to the next level.
"Take last week for example, when you bring the Premier League Trophy and all the branding. When you bring all those wonderful things which we can offer as a club it really enriches the school's experience.
"There are going to be children who are going to have that memory of seeing the trophy for the rest of their lives. I'm happy and proud of what will come from that.
"Schools are struggling in terms of resources and, without Premier League Primary Stars, children would be missing out on some life-changing experiences.”