Callum Foster has been named Ipswich Town Foundation's Community Captain for playing a leading role in the Premier League Kicks programme.
More than 100 clubs across the Premier League, EFL and National League continue to celebrate the people at the heart of their Premier League-funded programmes through the Community Captain award.
The latest recipient is Ipswich Foundation's community engagement officer Callum, who was presented with his trophy by Tractor Boys forward and Foundation trustee Conor Chaplin.
The presentation took place at Portman Road as part of the "More Than A Game" Trophy Tour, which is highlighting the impact of Premier League funding on communities across the country.
💙 On Monday, Conor Chaplin surprised Community Engagement Officer Callum Foster, who has been nominated as the Club's Community Captain.
— Ipswich Town Foundation (@ITFCFoundation) February 18, 2025
Callum has been recognised for all his hard work on the Premier League Kicks programme.@premierleague | @PLCommunities | #PLMoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/QzuK7YEdhh
Callum joined the Foundation in 2024 and has spearheaded the launch of their Premier League Kicks delivery.
The Foundation now runs five weekly venues in areas of high need in Ipswich. Since the launch of the club's programme, the sessions have engaged 565 participants, with 97 per cent feeling a greater sense of belonging and inclusion as a result.
More widely across England and Wales, Premier League Kicks supported more than 105,000 people during 2023/24, with the Premier League investing over £91million into the programme since it began in 2006.
'Huge honour'
Callum was recognised for his work in helping to bring the positive impact of Premier League Kicks to young people in Ipswich.
"It's a huge honour," he said. "It's such a rewarding job that I do here - I'm pretty speechless, to be honest!
"This award goes out to all the participants who have been attending in rain, sun, shine, every single week, and we’ve got plenty more to come."
Chaplin, who has played 162 times for Ipswich, thanked Callum for his work.
"It’s amazing," Chaplin said. "We've got 120-130 kids of all ages coming to Portman Road for a Premier League Kicks session on Friday evenings.
"That shows the hard work that Callum and all the [Ipswich Town Foundation] staff have been doing."
As part of the Community Captain presentation, Foundation programme participants were given a chance to take photos with the Premier League Trophy as part of an internal tournament at Portman Road.
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.
