Community Captain named during Premier League ‘More Than A Game’ campaign

Stockport County Community Trust has named Social Inclusion Lead, Matthew Bailey, as their 2026 Premier League Community Captain, recognising his key role in bringing the Premier League Kicks programme to the club and his outstanding commitment to young people across Stockport.

This year’s Premier League More Than A Game campaign marks the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks, a nationwide initiative giving young people aged 10–18 access to high‑quality coaching and safe spaces to play.

To mark the campaign, each club has named their own Community Captain, recognising an individual who has been positively impacted by the programme and continues to inspire others.

Thanks to Matthew’s leadership, Stockport County Community Trust launched Premier League Kicks in 2025, offering free football sessions to young people across the borough.

Since September, over 200 sessions have been delivered across Stockport, with eight free sessions taking place every week, engaging 365 young people, including 45 participants with SEN needs or disabilities.

Nationally, Premier League Kicks has supported more than 600,000 young people at over 5,000 venues across England and Wales, using the power of football to inspire confidence, resilience and positive life choices in underserved communities.

Matthew Bailey said: “Kicks has made a real difference to the young people across Stockport who attend our sessions each week. It’s not just about developing football skills, it’s the confidence, collaboration and enthusiasm we see in every participant.

“I’m incredibly proud to be recognised for helping bring this programme to the club, and I’m grateful to the Premier League Foundation for their support. We hope to continue delivering this work long into the future.”

Oliver McCall, Stockport County Community Trust’s Premier League Coordinator, added:“We’re proud to celebrate the impact Premier League Kicks continues to have on young people during the More Than A Game campaign.

“Premier League funding enables us to provide free, high‑quality football sessions that bring young people together, help build confidence, and support them in making positive choices both on and off the pitch.”