To mark the Premier League celebrating its 30th anniversary this month, competition icons Michael Owen, Jamie Redknapp, Micah Richards, Teddy Sheringham and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice feature in a 90-second film celebrating three decades of unforgettable football and the incredible support of fans.
The advert, "More than 90 minutes", is told through the eyes of a young fan. As well as capturing some of the on-pitch highlights of the last 30 years, the film explains how Premier League funding spreads far and wide throughout communities in England and Wales, and supports the entire football pyramid.
Redknapp, who played in the Premier League’s inaugural 1992/93 season and went on to make 295 appearances, said: "Three decades of the Premier League is incredible when you think about it. All the great memories, great goals and magic moments.
"The Premier League has done such a great job for football. It has changed everything. It’s given players and managers a real platform to be superstars. Using that success to invest in the game at all levels, right from grassroots football upwards, and investing in communities means more people than ever can enjoy the game."
Rice makes an appearance at a Premier League Kicks session alongside club Foundation coach Najma Shariffu.
Premier League Kicks has provided more than 900,000 hours of free weekly football and multi-sport sessions at almost 1,000 venues across England and Wales. In the last 15 years, more than 440,000 young people have taken part.
Rice said: “I have loved football and the Premier League since I was a child. I feel very privileged to play the game professionally alongside and against some of the best players in the world.
"As a youngster, I attended Premier League Kicks sessions myself so I know how important the programme is.
“Football clubs and their staff deliver a huge amount of amazing work in their local areas – I’ve seen this myself at West Ham United and all clubs have a big role to play in their communities.”
Wide-ranging investment
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “As we look back on the last 30 years, people will have their own favourite Premier League memories.
"For many this will be the moments of brilliance players have produced on the pitch – the unforgettable goals, skills, matches and seasons. But there are also the lesser-known stories within communities as a result of the life-changing activity that clubs at all levels of the game carry out week in, week out thanks to our wide-ranging investment.
"We are proud of the unprecedented funding we provide for communities and wider football. As we look to the future, we are committed to delivering more than ever, to help develop the game and provide opportunities for people of all ages.
"It has all been possible thanks to an incredible 30 years of football and I look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Inspiring kids in classrooms
One of the largest Premier League communities programmes is Premier League Primary Stars, which also features in the advert thanks to a cameo appearance from TV mathematician and Manchester United supporter Rachel Riley, who has helped create maths resources for the programme used in schools.
Riley said: "I’m a passionate football supporter and I’m also very passionate about education.
"Using the appeal of the game to inspire children in classrooms to learn is a brilliant method and we’re all looking forward to what can be achieved across the next 30 years.”
