Walsall FC and Walsall FC Foundation are delighted to name Mohammed Arif as our Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society.
Over the last two weeks, the Premier League and clubs have been celebrating ‘More Than A Game’ and highlighting the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.
The Premier League is celebrating more than 100 Community Captains during ‘More Than A Game’ – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.
As part of Walsall FC Foundation’s ‘Walsall FC for All’ project, supported by Premier League Fans Fund, Arif has been a key figure in helping the club and charity to engage with the local Muslim community.
The initiative, which aims to create a lasting link with the diverse communities who settle and live in Walsall, has so far seen the club’s first ever South Asian Heritage Celebration fixture in October, and a number of community groups attending games through links with the Foundation.
As well as helping to facilitate these match visits, Arif, as Chair of the Union of Organisations (UMO), has also been instrumental in our club forging links within the community. This has seen Walsall FC staff visiting local mosques to learn about Islam, and encouraged more under-represented groups to join us at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.
Paul Larvin, Senior Operations Manager at Walsall FC Foundation explained: “The Walsall FC For All project simply would not have been possible without the support of Premier League Fans Fund, and passionate community leaders.
“Arif really stands out as a deserving Community Captain, as he has been a vital link for us to engage with the Muslim community and helped hundreds more fans attend Walsall FC games.
“Arif has been a driving force in helping us break down barriers, engage with diverse communities, and spreading the message that Walsall FC is a place for everyone.”
On top of his support of Walsall FC For All, Mohammed Arif has been heavily involved alongside UMO and local churches to joint-fund a new Multi-Faith Prayer Room at the stadium, which opened for Saturday’s match against Chesterfield.
Saddlers captain Donervon Daniels joined Arif at half-time, to present him with a Community Captain trophy, armband, pennant and bespoke More Than A Game shirt to mark his outstanding commitment to the local community.
Mohammed Arif said: “It was something that I wasn’t expecting but I think it’s really important to recognise the work that we are doing here to bring the community together.
“I’m proud that the work has been recognised and that’s really important.”
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 into clubs, communities and facilities positively impacts and inspires millions of people.
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.”
