Cardiff City FC Community Foundation has named Darren Davies their Premier League Community Captain in recognition of their commitment and contribution to the game and society.
Over the next two weeks, the Premier League and clubs will celebrate ‘More Than A Game’ and highlight the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.
The Premier League is investing £1.6 billion into wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025 to support football at every level of the game across England and Wales. This world-leading funding for clubs, communities, and facilities positively impacts and inspires millions.
As part of ‘More Than A Game’, the League will celebrate more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for contributing to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.
Darren has been chosen as Cardiff City’s 2025 Community Captain because of his incredible commitment to his community and impact on families in Merthyr Tydfil.
On Saturday, 15th February, Darren was recognised with a Community Captain presentation at the Bristol City fixture.
Darren has been at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation for four years, working across our Premier League Kicks and Inclusive Kicks sites in Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale, and Abertillery. He has become an integral member of the team in that area of South Wales, helping to establish and strengthen Cardiff City FC connections within local communities.
Premier League Kicks aims to inspire young people to reach their potential through access to free football sessions in a safe and secure environment. Their Inclusive Kicks programme was designed to provide these sessions for neurodiverse children to improve wellbeing and confidence and increase social interaction.
Through his passion for community, Darren has single-handedly built a sense of belonging, purpose, and togetherness at Merthyr Kicks, creating a true family atmosphere. Under his leadership, the site has flourished, growing into a highly engaged session week after week.
Gavin Hawkey, Director at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said: “Thanks to the support of the Premier League Charitable Fund and individuals like Darren, we’ve been able to make a real difference in our communities. This has enabled us to achieve a record-breaking £33.4 million in social impact value for the 2023/24 season—an impressive increase from £17.9 million the previous year. This means that for every £1 invested, £19 of social value is generated. None of this would have been possible without the Premier League’s generous funding, helping us to change lives and transform communities.”
Jamie Thomas, Premier League Kicks Coordinator at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, said: “Darren is a true asset to Premier League Kicks and an incredible role model for the young people and families he supports. His passion, warmth, and genuine care have had a lasting impact, making everyone around him feel valued, supported, and motivated. We’re fortunate to have Darren on our team, and on behalf of all the young people, families, parents, and guardians, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks.”
Premier League Director of Community Nick Perchard said: “It is so important that we continue to recognise and collectively highlight the positive impact that work within local communities has, championing those at the heart of Premier League-funded initiatives. Success on the pitch enables the Premier League to share unparalleled investment into communities and football at all levels across England and Wales.”
