More than a game

Cam's story: 'This is a dream come true'

By Lucy Whiter 17 Feb 2025
Cam, Bristol Rovers, Premier League Community Captain, Premier League Kicks

Bristol Rovers Community Captain explains how a letter to Rovers' captain Scott Sinclair is helping to create opportunities for more people to play the game he loves

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For almost half his life, Cameron has benefited from the support of Premier League Kicks and the Bristol Rovers Community Trust.

In his early years, the teenager struggled to find an inclusive environment where he could be himself and play football. That all changed when he discovered the Premier League-funded activity delivered by his beloved club.

Soon, though, it became clear that simply turning up and taking part in the free after-school football sessions was not enough for him.

Cam wanted to give back to others and took on a volunteering role at the Trust's Premier League Kicks sessions, aiming to break down barriers to participation and recreate the welcoming environment in which he had thrived.

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As the Premier League celebrates More than a game, its world-leading investment into all levels of football and funding for club community programmes, Cam received Bristol Rovers' Community Captain award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to volunteering at Premier League Kicks sessions and support for other young people in the local community.

This is Cam's story:

"I arrived here thinking it was going to be a normal day, and then I see all these banners around and I think, 'OK they are probably just promoting Premier League Kicks.' Then as soon as I sit down, I see the Premier League trophy and I'm like, 'wow!'

"I'm really shocked but I’m happy they picked me, and I now know that I can spread so much kindness and awareness."

Cam, Bristol Rovers, Premier League Community Captain, Premier League Kicks, Scott Sinclair

It was this kindness, and his commitment to teamwork, that saw Cam receive his Community Captain accolade from Rovers' first-team players Promise Omochere and Kamil Conteh at the Community Trust's Premier League Kicks session on Tuesday, where he is both a participant and volunteer. 

"I love how Premier League Kicks is spreading so much kindness around the world for people who have got disabilities, like if you've got Down’s syndrome, or maybe ADHD like me, you can go there, play football for free and I love how they're not charging anything and it's just really fun.

"Sometimes there might be a new young person at a session, you know boy or girl, and they are really scared, I always go up to them and get them behind the big goal, let them take penalties and let them meet the coaches, to let them know we're really kind."

Attending Premier League Kicks sessions in one of Bristol's most deprived areas, Cam noticed that while many people were keen to play, not everyone had the equipment they needed to join in with the games.

Cam, Bristol Rovers, Premier League Community Captain, Premier League Kicks

With the Trust already helping families in the local area to play football for free, Cam saw an opportunity to break down even more barriers to playing the game he and so many of his peers love.

"I wrote to Scott Sinclair just asking him if he can donate some boots and asked if he could help us at Bristol Rovers Community Trust.

"Let's say if people cannot afford boots, or if their boots are ruined and they can’t afford new ones, now they can come here and pick up some boots, grab them and wear them.

"I wanted to raise awareness that anyone can play football, it's free, it's fun."

Will Dixon, Bristol Rovers Community Trust Head of Inclusion, added: "The amount of participants that we get attending our sessions that don’t own football boots and for him to help with that initiative has really had a positive effect on our project and we’re seeing a higher number of participants having football boots.

"He's really helping the community. Everyone should have a chance to play football and especially to have a nice pair of boots and Cam’s really had a positive impact with that."

In addition to the award presentation at his Premier League Kicks session, Cam had the chance to go pitch-side at the Memorial Stadium to meet his hero Scott Sinclair, ahead of Bristol Rovers' League One match against Stockport County.

Bristol Rovers Captain Scott Sinclair said: "I think Cam's idea has been unbelievable and what he has thought about, giving boots to the community and people who haven't got enough money to afford boots, I think it’s a great, great thing he has done. 

Cam, Bristol Rovers, Premier League Community Captain, Premier League Kicks, Scott Sinclair

"It goes to show what a nice boy he is, you know, growing up and thinking about everyone else. The Premier League Community Captain is a great award, much deserved."

Cam added: "I've just met Sinclair, my dream player. This is the best day ever you know, I'm just so excited. Watching the Gas play, meeting my favourite players, seeing the Premier League trophy. It's a dream come true."

Cam is one of more than half a million people that have been a part of Premier League Kicks since it began in 2006.

Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Charitable Fund, Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales.

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