Newcastle United Foundation honour Premier League community captain Sarah Burn | OneFootball

Clubs across the country are naming Community Captains as part of the More Than a Game campaign. The initiative uses two weeks of the Premier League calendar to celebrate inspiring individuals, while highlighting the positive impact of investment into communities through football.

This includes the non-league system, grassroots facilities and the women’s game. Sarah Burn, Premier League Kicks Coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation, received the accolade from Magpies legend and Newcastle United Foundation Trustee Shola Ameobi.

The presentation was made in front of more than 1,000 supporters during the Magpies Unplugged fan event hosted at St. James’ STACK earlier this week.

From Participant to Programme Leader

Sarah’s story is a powerful example of how a connection with the Premier League Kicks programme can last a lifetime.

More than a decade after stepping onto the pitch as a young participant, she now leads Premier League Kicks sessions for more than 2,000 children and teenagers from Gateshead to Berwick.

“Premier League Kicks has been a huge part of my life for more than ten years now,” Sarah said. “I’ve always played football and Premier League Kicks sessions were my opportunity to do that while I was growing up.

“The sessions had a huge, positive impact on me and gave me role models to look up to. I really wouldn’t be where I am today without Premier League Kicks.”

Sarah has taken every opportunity, progressing from volunteer to a UEFA B level coach. Now, as Premier League Kicks Coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation and Middlesbrough FC Women midfielder, she oversees the sessions that shaped her own journey.

She added: “I’ve met some incredible people through Premier League Kicks and can see the positive role sessions play in young people’s lives.

“Premier League Kicks has given me so many amazing opportunities and it’s been a huge surprise to be given the Premier League Community Captain award.

“It’s a privilege to work with my team to deliver the programme that helped me so much and to now give those same opportunities to the next generation.”

More Than A Game: Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

The award comes as the Premier League celebrates the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks. The initiative currently sees 93 professional clubs delivering free weekly football and personal development sessions in some of the most under-served communities. Key stats include:

A Fortnight of Celebration

More Than A Game campaign branding will be visible across all Premier League matches between 14 – 22 March, including the Tyne-Wear Derby at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X for regular news and updates.