Seven years ago, 14-year-old Keira Barker joined the Premier League Kicks programme provided by Fulham FC Foundation. Fast-forward to 2025 and Barker is now a coach and mentor for the Foundation in the same Premier League Kicks programme that helped to nurture her.
Her development at the Foundation and dedication to help the local community in southwest London are such that she was named Fulham’s Community Captain for this year as part of the Premier League’s celebration of its "More than a game" initiative.
Barker is one of more than 100 people across England and Wales being celebrated through More than a game initiative as a Community Captain, someone at the heart of the club's Premier League-funded programmes who deserves recognition for their contribution to the game and society.
She was presented her Community Captain award by Fulham defender Joachim Andersen at the Foundation's Premier League Primary Stars Finals Day where 16 schools battled to represent the club at the 2025 National Tournament.
First-team captain Tom Cairney later surprised Barker with her Community Captain shirt and sat down with her to learn more about her journey through Fulham FC Foundation.
“Being chosen to be Fulham’s Community Captain means a lot to me,” Barker said. “From being a part of this club from the age of 14, it’s really special that my pathway from participant to coach has been recognised.
"I’m hoping this may encourage other participants to follow my journey into becoming a coach through our new programme, Made in Fulham."
The PL Kicks programme uses the power of football to engage with young people such as Barker, helping them fulfil their potential by providing access to free weekly football sessions and education workshops in safe and supportive community environments.
To date, more than 550 Premier League-funded programme participants are employed by clubs – many of whom are part of Premier League Kicks – providing young people with role models from whom they can learn and aspire to emulate.
It was the support and encouragement Barker received whilst a participant with PL Kicks that has stood her in such good stead, and she now hopes to help others too.
“The support Fulham FC Foundation offered me from such a young age has contributed to the coach I have become today," Barker continued. "Now I want to be able to give back to the club through my mentoring of participants who are aspiring coaches on this course.
“I have enjoyed working across multiple programmes at the Foundation, starting at the academy and now progressing to mascot duty on a matchday.
"I am very grateful to Fulham for the opportunities and experiences I have been given over the past seven years and I look forward to my future at this club.”
What is More than a game?
More than a game highlights the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and all levels of football.
The League is investing £1.6billion into wider football, the grassroots game and communities between 2022 and 2025.
This includes funding for community projects run by 164 professional and non-league clubs, supporting people of all ages who need it most, as well as providing much-needed funding to non-league, grassroots and women’s clubs to enhance stadium facilities for players and fans.
