Walsall FC and Walsall FC Foundation are delighted to name Mohammed Ismail Asif as our Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment to the game and society.
Ismail has volunteered on the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks sessions since November 2024, giving up his time to help us provide young people access free football and community-based activities, every Friday evening at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.
This season also marks the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks, which sees 93 Premier League, EFL, and National League clubs delivering free weekly football and personal development sessions.
Ismail first joined the Kicks programme as a participant at the age of 14, seeking a safe and welcoming space where he could enjoy football, build friendships and grow in confidence.
After hard work and dedication, Ismail has since progressed into the volunteer role; supporting the delivery of sessions, assisting coaches and encouraging younger players. His presence provides valuable support and offers inspiration for those who wish to follow a similar path.
Throughout March, the Premier League and clubs across the country have been celebrating the ‘More Than A Game’ campaign, highlighting the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at all levels of football.
All clubs will be naming a Community Captain, who deserves recognition for their contributions, particularly to Premier League Kicks.
Ismail was surprised with his award at Walsall FC’s training ground, with Saddlers first-team captain Jamille Matt presenting him with the Community Captain’s armband, pennant and trophy to mark the achievement.
Martin Manley, Engagement & Inclusion Manager at Walsall FC Foundation, engaged with Ismail as a Kicks participant when he first attended in 2018 and joined Matt to present the award.
He said: “It was great to surprise Ismail with the Community Captain award, particularly with it being presented by our very own men’s club captain.
“I’ve been extremely proud seeing Ismail grow from the shy teenager who first attended Premier League Kicks, to now leading on sessions and supporting Foundation staff. That’s not to mention all the separate work he does at local community groups away from Walsall FC during his spare time.
“Ismail is just one example – there are hundreds of stories nationwide to show how Kicks has helped change the lives of young people in some of the country’s highest need areas.
“We’re delighted to be a part of it and can’t wait to see what the project can achieve over the next 20 years.”
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters added: “It is thanks to the incredible football we see week in, week out in the Premier League that we are able to invest so widely in all areas of the game.
“This funding has been a priority for us for many years and, through ‘More Than A Game’, we showcase the significant impact this has had on both people and places.
“Premier League Kicks is our longest-standing community programme, and it has made a real difference to young people across the country. For 20 years it has helped change lives and we remain committed to supporting communities connected to clubs throughout the football pyramid.
“We are also proud to have delivered long-term investment into grassroots and non-league football through the Football Foundation and Premier League Stadium Fund. This has benefited clubs throughout the non-league system and women’s game, as well as more than 125,000 grassroots teams up and down the country.”
To find out more about Premier League Kicks sessions at Walsall FC Foundation, please visit https://walsallfcfoundation.com/engagement/plkicks/, or email martin.manley@walsallfcfoundation.co.uk.
