Gemma Is A Community Champion

A football fanatic from Hyde has scooped a prestigious title for her efforts in the local community.

Gemma Whittaker, 41, has been named as Curzon Ashton’s Community Captain in recognition of their incredible work in and around Ashton-under-Lyne. 

The Community Captain accolade is being given to more than 100 members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations. 

Gemma received the accolade at Curzon Ashton FC v AFC Telford. She received a PL30 Community Captain armband and pennant. 

Foundation Manager, Mike Smith, who presented Gemma’s Community Captain award, said: “Its great that we have Gemma on our Board of Trustees. The knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm she brings to the Foundation is inspirational, well-done Gemma, thoroughly deserved”. 

Gemm said: “Football means so much to so many, whether it be playing for a team, memories of watching round the TV with family or the feeling of being part of a community. I’ve been lucky enough to witness the magic within both competitive and community football. To now be named as Curzon Ashton’s Community Captain is a real honour and I wish to thank the club and the Community Foundation for the nomination”.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “As we mark 30 years since the Premier League first kicked off, it is important we celebrate the unsung heroes who deliver brilliant work in their communities. These people – whether they are participants, coaches, volunteers, or long-time employees – are the lifeblood of their clubs and their communities. 

“The continued success of Premier League football enables us to provide unprecedented investment in communities and wider football. As we look to the future, we are committed to investing more than ever, to help develop the game and provide opportunities to people of all ages.” 

The Curzon Ashton Community Foundation is supported with Premier League funding to run various football-based community activities to all areas of the local community. 

  Across England and Wales, Premier League investment supports the community organisations of all 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, plus the 68 National League clubs.  

Over the next three years, the League will continue its world-leading levels of support by contributing £1.6 billion to communities and the wider game. 

During the Trophy Tour, the League will be announcing new financial commitments to benefit fans and communities. This includes increased investment into the Premier League Fans’ Fund, with £5m available to support fan engagement projects across the top four divisions of the football pyramid. The League is also investing an additional £13.5 million into the Football Foundation to create small-sided pitches in the heart of communities that need them the most. The tour will also give an opportunity to highlight new Premier League investment into women’s and girls’ football, including the Emerging Talent Centers announced earlier this summer.