Club legend Les Bradd, has been named as Notts County Football Club’s Community Captain in recognition of their incredible work in the local area making more than 350 phone calls to elderly, vulnerable and key-worker supporters to bring them some cheer and companionship in the first lockdown. Les continues to advocate on behalf of the community to the club and others always seeking to serve others. 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. Les received the accolade at Meadow Lane Stadium. He received a PL30 Community Captain armband and pennant.
Sam Crawford (Notts County Foundation Chief Executive) who presented Les’ Community Captain award, said: “I could not think of a more deserving person for this award and all of us at Notts County Foundation are incredibly thankful to Les for all he has done and continues to do for our community. Les has demonstrated by his actions both during lockdowns and beyond that care for our community is something that he cares deeply about and I know he takes his role as ambassador incredibly seriously. Thank you, Les.”
Community Captain Les Bradd said: “Making the hundreds of calls to members of the Notts County fanbase who needed support during the first lockdown of 2020 made me feel really empowered, especially having conversations with supporters who were before my time at the club. Hearing how much it meant to them and their families kept me going through lockdown too. Above all, hearing the wonderful stories about the history of the club and speaking with members of our club community suffering from Dementia and Alzheimer’s made me realise how important it was to them and their relatives. It is a fantastic honour to accept this award from the Premier League.”
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 Notts County Foundation is supported with Premier League funding to run sessions like Premier League Kicks and Premier League Stars. Across England and Wales, Premier League investment supports the community organisations of all 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, plus the 72 National League clubs. Over the next three years, the League will continue its world-leading levels of support by contributing £1.6 billion to communities and the wider game. 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 £13.5 million 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
