Over the last two years, 17-year-old George has spent his time volunteering as a coach and inspiring fellow young people in the local community for his boyhood club, Nottingham Forest.
In recognition of all his hard work and personal development, Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and the first team surprised George with a Community Captain award pennant and special captain’s armband as part of the Premier League's “More than a game” campaign.
He was later given a signed shirt by Callum Hudson-Odoi.
“To receive an award like this, I just don’t have any words for it, just unbelievable," George said.
“I do a lot of work in the community, training and coaching. Premier League Kicks gives children a safe place to come and play football and get them off the streets.”
Premier League Kicks uses the power of football to engage with young people such as George to help them fulfil their potential by providing access to free weekly football sessions and education workshops in safe and supportive community environments.
Those who have worked closely with George believe he is a more than worthy recipient of the award, having seen his progression both professionally and personally.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure over the last couple of years to get to know George and see his journey," said Chris Simmonds, head of education, training and employment at Nottingham Forest Community Trust (NFCT).
"He is very understated, George. He probably won’t see himself as a community captain."
Leanne McDonagh, an NFCT education tutor who put George forward for the Community Captain honour, spoke of her pride at who he has become.
"He has really come out of his shell and found his footing," she said. "What he has done for us and the community doesn’t go unnoticed. I am proud of George’s journey, definitely."
What is Premier League Kicks?
Forest are one of 90 clubs currently delivering the Premier League Kicks programme.
Since its launch in 2006, PL Kicks has engaged more than 520,000 young people, delivering over 1m hours of free sessions at 4,900+ venues across England and Wales.
Sessions take place in some of the most high-need areas. Kicks creates opportunities for young people who are at risk of anti-social behaviour or youth violence to regularly engage in football, sport, mentoring and personal development opportunities.
