Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust has named Prince Antwi as their Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society. This is part of the Premier League’s ‘More Than A Game’ campaign highlighting the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football. To celebrate the campaign the Trust hosted events for primary, and secondary school pupils, in addition to naming Prince their Community Captain.
Prince is one of 100 Community Captains from across the country as individuals have been nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.
Prince relocated to Hertfordshire with his younger brother and sister from Accra, Ghana in 2021, and initially found it hard to settle in the area due to the language barrier and lack of support networks. Then one day as he walked past the Meriden Community Centre to enquire what activities took place, his journey with the Trust began.
On the recommendation of staff, Prince then attended Premier League Kicks and didn’t look back. He soon became a regular, making friends with staff and participants alike. Prince then wanted to give back to the Centre for helping him settle into the area, and offered to volunteer at Mini Kicks sessions, Matchday Packages and was chosen to manage the Under 16s in the Kicks Cup 2023. It became clear that the young people loved his enthusiasm for helping others, his positive attitude, and his friendly persona. The Trust has since supported Prince in completing his FA Introduction to Coaching qualification, and in 2024, Prince was selected to join the Trust’s workforce as a Casual Coach and now delivers three times a week on a variety of programmes.
Prince was presented with his Community Captain pack by Watford FC’s Club Captain Daniel Bachmann. After the presentation Prince said:
“I’m very honoured to be selected as the Community Captain because I thought I was just doing what I do but people have actually realised and seen what I’ve been doing and think I deserve something.”
Elsewhere on Tuesday 4th February, the Trust held their Premier League Primary Stars Under 11 Girls tournament in the Dome at Watford FC’s training ground. 31 teams from primary schools across Hertfordshire and Harrow, competed for the chance to represent Watford FC at a regional tournament. On the pitch, there was plenty of good football on show, whilst away from the matches pupils also engaged in several activities that embraced the four Premier League Primary Stars values and workshops focused on the campaign ‘More Than A Game’ giving the players a chance to share what football means to them. The games remained competitive until the final whistle, which saw Bernards Heath lift the winner’s trophy this year! Special mention to our Values award winners Be Connected—Cannon Lane, Be Ambitious—St Catherine of Siena, Be Inspiring—Watford St Johns, and Be Fair—Sarratt.
The tournament participants were also treated to a guest appearance from staff and players from Watford FC Women—Helen Ward, Anna Filbey, Ellie Head, Melis Mehmet, and Spyros Mylordos. The Hornets even stuck around for a kick-about, much to the delight of all the aspiring young female footballers in the Dome. There was yet more in store, to round off a fantastic day – the Watford FC men’s team stars Ryan Andrews, and James Abankwah met with tournament players.
Staff captured their breath before hosting another event in the Dome. This time a Women & Girls in Sport event with female secondary school pupils from Bushey Meads, Longdean, Whitefriars, Townsend, and The Reach Free.
The event included a morning of activities from football to a wellbeing workshop with Hertfordshire Mind Network. A short lunch break later and the pupils were ready for their afternoon of talks with several guest speakers. The school groups circulated in a carousel spending time with our guests, as they discussed a variety of topics. Those involved were professional boxer Shannon Ryan, Watford FC Women’s Anna Filbey, Chloe Wozniak from Herts FA, Hate Crime Officer for Watford and Three Rivers, PC Dani Howlett Bolton from Herts Constabulary, and Frances Lynn from Hornets’ supporters’ group, Women of Watford FC (WOW). To complete the event, there was an appearance from Watford FC men’s first-team squad with Tom Dele-Bashiru, Imran Louza, and Kwadwo Baah dropping in for a photo and to award the stars of the day.
With that, a week full of action was completed, proving without doubt that football is much more than a game.
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.”
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.
