Premier League Kicks volunteer crowned Premier League Community Captain by Swansea City AFC Foundation
Catherine Bradley has been recognised as Swansea City AFC Foundation's Premier League 'More Than A Game' Community Captain after her years of volunteering as part of the Premier League Kicks programme.
The Foundation expanded their Premier League Kicks programme up to Newtown in mid-Wales in 2021, and Catherine has been volunteering there since the very start.
Bradley works as a carer looking after adults with learning disabilities, often working long night shifts. However, despite her busy schedule, she always finds the time to show up for the young people of Newtown every Thursday evening.
A mother of five, Bradley’s children have also benefitted from Premier League Kicks as they enjoy the session while their mum is on the coaching team. Mia, one of Catherine’s daughters, was invited to represent the Swans at the Premier League Kicks Truce Tournament in Belgium.
This year marks 20 years of Premier League Kicks – a programme which offers young people free football sessions in a safe environment every weekday evening – and so the Swans Foundation is using the ‘More Than A Game’ campaign to shine a spotlight on the Premier League Kicks programme.
Jamie Bessant is Swansea City AFC Foundation’s lead Premier League Kicks coach at the session in Newtown, and he surprised Catherine with the award he himself had won last year at a session with the participants.
“I’m really shocked and really proud. I didn’t expect it but I’m over the moon,” said Catherine.
“I support adults with learning disabilities. I work long shifts, night shifts, working 12 to 16-hour shifts sometimes. I’m trying to get into the Welsh Masters squad for running and I play football myself. I have five children who are all really active with football, rugby and running.
“The kids that turn up week on week is the reason why I love volunteering here. It could be minus three degrees and they’re still here having fun and they always end with a thank you. What more could you ask for?"
Swansea City and the Swans Foundation invited Catherine and her family to enjoy a hospitality experience at the Swansea.com Stadium for the Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.
On the day, Catherine met the club’s chief executive officer Tom Gorringe, who discussed the impactful work of the Premier League Kicks project with Catherine.
Bessant was delighted that the Foundation, the Swans and the Premier League could recognise Bradley for her contributions to the local community.
“We chose Catherine for the award because of all the hard work and commitment that she’s given over the years,” said Bessant.
“She’s there regardless, always with a smile on her face, always positive. Cath always makes sure she’s free on a Thursday night because she knows the impact Premier League Kicks can have for the children of mid-Wales and Newtown.
“We’re really fortunate to have the funding from the Police Crime Commissioner, allowing us to cover such a wide area from mid-Wales as well as into Aberystwyth and down south to Pembrokeshire. It’s so impactful to reach a wider audience and give children the opportunity to access Premier League Kicks.
“Without volunteers these sessions don’t run, so we’re really grateful to those who give up their time. It’s great to see someone like Cath pick up this award, which she thoroughly deserves.”