Stephen Rogers of Millwall Community Trust (MCT), has been named as Millwall Community Trust’s Community Captain in recognition of his incredible work in the local area, specifically within the Premier League Kicks programme, walking sports, and the mental health programmes.
The Community Captain accolade is being given to more than 100 members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Stephen received the accolade at The Lions Centre during one of his Walking Sports sessions. He received a PL30 Community Captain armband and pennant. The award was presented by Hassan Ibrahim, MCT’s Kicks Targeted Officer, also a former Kicks participant who Stephen taught.
Hassan, who presented Stephen’s Community Captain award, said: “I’ve known Steve since I was 14. I used to come to Millwall’s Friday night Kicks sessions, where he was one of the lead coaches. I’ve learned a lot from him about timing, and discipline, and he’s taught me a lot of things I know now. He’s a real gentleman and a ‘football man'.
"To see his growth over the years has been phenomenal, and he’s seen me grow from a boy to a man. From a participant he taught, to Millwall Community Trust’s Kicks Targeted Officer. I have nothing but admiration for Steve. He’s a good man with a big heart - and most importantly - a person I could look up to and be proud to say I was under his wings when I was growing up.
"Honestly, he deserves every accolade and achievement because of the services he’s provided at Millwall Community Trust and the wider community over the years. Congratulations, Steve.”
Stephen added: “Thank you, I appreciate this recognition and award. I’ve been at Millwall for many years and I’m proud to be part of a club that does such great work within the community. I’m also happy to have been presented the award by a man who I’ve seen grow over the years. He’s a great example of the positive impact that the PL Kicks programme can have on many young people.”
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.”
The Kicks community project is supported with Premier League funding to run constructive activities, including a wide variety of sports, creative arts, boxing, coaching, music and educational, and personal development sessions. Across England and Wales, Premier League investment supports the community organisations of all 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, plus the 68 National League clubs.
Over the next three years, the League will continue its world-leading levels of support by contributing £1.6billion to communities and the wider game.
During the Trophy Tour, the League will be announcing new financial commitments to benefit fans and communities. This includes increased investment into the Premier League Fans’ Fund, with £5m available to support fan engagement projects across the top four divisions of the football pyramid. The League is also investing an additional £13.5million into the Football Foundation to create small-sided pitches in the heart of communities that need them the most. The tour will also give an opportunity to highlight new Premier League investment into women’s and girls’ football, including the Emerging Talent Centres announced earlier this summer.
To find out more, please visit premierleague.com.
