'Spirit of Kicks' Helen given Community Captain award

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The Community Captain award is a nationwide scheme celebrating someone at the heart of their club.

Jake Heath

2026-03-19T10:00+00:00

Carla Camacho and Bex Rayner were on hand to present the award to Helen. 📸 by James Boardman.

A young player in the BHAFC Foundation's Premier League Kicks programme has been awarded for her dedication to the way she supports other players in her group.

Helen, who plays at the Foundation's PL Kicks girls' group in Worthing, was given a Premier League Community Captain award for her efforts.

Helen has been coming to PL Kicks sessions for a number of years, and she was nominated by her coaches because of the outstanding impact she has at PL Kicks. Her personal growth, consistent effort and positive influence on the group all contributed to her nomination.

She was presented with the award during one of her sessions by Women's first team players Carla Camacho and Bex Rayner.

The Community Captain award is a nationwide scheme celebrating someone at the heart of their club, rewarding a person worthy of recognition for their commitment and contribution to the game and society.

Frankie Angel, the Foundation's Delivery Lead for Premier League Kicks, explained why Helen's coaches chose to put her forward.

"We chose Helen because of the amazing commitment and dedication she's shown to Premier League Kicks over the years," Frankie said.

"We had multiple coaches nominate Helen, she's shown a real improvement in confidence and she helps others at her sessions too.

"We really feel that she embodies the spirit of Kicks."

Community Captains have been named across the country as part of the Premier League's 'More Than A Game' campaign, which highlights how Premier League funding and club community programme delivery positively impacts the lives of millions.

Carla Camacho and Bex Rayner had some Albion goodies for attendees at the PL Kicks event. 📸 by James Boardman.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said of Community Captains, "They are the unsung heroes and people who go above and beyond the call of duty to benefit the lives of others, demonstrating that football is so much more than a game."

“It is thanks to the incredible football we see week in, week out in the Premier League that we are able to invest so widely in all areas of the game.

“This funding has been a priority for us for many years and, through ‘More Than A Game’, we showcase the significant impact this has had on both people and places.

“Premier League Kicks is our longest-standing community programme, and it has made a real difference to young people across the country. For 20 years it has helped change lives and we remain committed to supporting communities connected to clubs throughout the football pyramid.

‘More Than A Game’ showcases the Premier League’s long-standing commitment to supporting the community activity of clubs at all levels of the game, as well as investing in other areas including the non-league system, grassroots facilities and women’s and girls’ football.

It also provides an opportunity to celebrate the 2.5 million people who have participated in Premier League-funded community programmes that are run by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs.

This season is the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks, which sees 93 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs delivering free weekly football and personal-development sessions.

Since the launch of the programme, which uses the power of football to inspire young people to reach their potential, more than 600,000 young people have participated at over 5,000 venues across England and Wales. Sessions take place in some of the most under-served communities, supporting those who need it most.

An independent evaluation of Premier League Kicks found that 93 per cent of alumni believe the programme helped them get into less trouble and avoid negative influence, with 91 per cent learning more about the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour, helping to change attitudes and choices.