Over the next two weeks, the Premier League will be celebrating ‘More Than A Game’ and highlighting the positive impact of their investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.
The Premier League has invested £1.6 billion into wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025 to support football at every level of the game across England and Wales. This world-leading funding into clubs, communities and facilities positively impacts and inspires millions of people.
As part of ‘More Than A Game’, the League will be celebrating more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.
Nick Perchard, Premier League Director of Community said: “It is so important that we continue to recognise and collectively highlight the positive impact that work within local communities has, championing those at the heart of Premier League-funded initiatives. Success on the pitch enables the Premier League to share unparallelled investment into communities and football at all levels across England and Wales.”
Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation were proud to celebrate the achievements of their chosen Premier League Community Captain, Bianca Owens, recognising the instrumental role they have played in creating a positive impact in the local community towards children and adult’s mental health and wellbeing.
On receiving the award, Bianca said: “I am honoured to have been chosen as the Community Captain for Hartlepool United. 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.”
Keith Nobbs, Manager of Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation said: “The commitment and effort of Bianca has been outstanding and she’s played an instrumental role as part of Premier League Primary Stars and Premier League Fans Fund, delivering quality activities to both children and adults. The award is testament to all of their hard work and dedication to helping improve our local community.”
The ‘More Than A Game’ event was hosted at St Teresa’s Primary School on Tuesday, who took part in the Premier League Primary Starts programme.
Bianca’s achievements were celebrated with members of the Premier League attending to show their support, bringing the Premier League trophy.
Hartlepool United player Joe Grey also made a surprise visit to the school, engaging in the event and presenting Bianca with their Community Captain award.
Joe Grey stated: “It’s great to support the work that the Foundation do across the North East. It was a pleasure to present Bianca with the Community Captain award for the role they play in the local community, providing valuable activities for both children and adults.”
