Menu
Close
Story added: 17th March 2026
A routine filming session turned into an unforgettable moment this week when Norwich City first‑team players Kellen Fisher and Sam Field stepped into the dugouts to surprise Community Sports Foundation staff member Skye Burrell with the Premier League 2026 Community Captain award.
Skye was invited under the impression she was helping to film a Premier League Kicks case study, but midway through the “interview”, the players arrived to present her with the honour as part of the Premier League’s More Than a Game campaign. The surprise left her genuinely speechless, creating a truly memorable moment.
"Premier League Kicks made me a more confident individual. I had a tough time in school, but Kicks got me outside playing football again and seeing my friends more. It really means so much."
Skye Burrell
Norwich City Community Captain 2026
Skye’s connection with the Community Sports Foundation spans around five years. She first joined Premier League Kicks as a participant, where the programme played a significant role in building her confidence, supporting her wellbeing, and helping her overcome challenges at school.
Reflecting on that impact, Skye said:
“Premier League Kicks made me a more confident individual. Before Premier League Kicks, I struggled to get out of my shell. I had a tough time in school, but Kicks got me outside playing football again and seeing my friends more. I made new friends and now I’m able to talk a bit more openly. It really means so much.”
Inspired by her own experience, Skye soon began “giving back” to the programme. She volunteered at sessions, became a Kicks ambassador, and then progressed onto the Foundation’s two‑year Further Education programme, which she successfully completed.
Today, Skye serves as Chairperson of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s Youth Voice Council and has just secured a full-time role as Youth Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at the Foundation supporting young people to undertake social action projects and volunteering.
“Thank you so much,” Skye said after receiving her award. “The Foundation has done so much for me. I honestly never thought I’d be in this space.”
"From arriving as a Premier League Kicks participant, to stepping up as a volunteer, and now growing into a staff member with a role that in turn helps young people, Skye's progress has been outstanding." "
Jackie Thornton
Director of Strategy & Development, Community Sports Foundation
Skye was selected as Norwich City’s Community Captain because she reflects the very best of Premier League Kicks.
She demonstrates:
She has become a highly valued member of the Foundation team and an inspirational figure to the young people she supports.
Jackie Thornton, the Foundation’s Director of Strategy & Development commented:
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see Skye’s development over the past few years, and we are so proud of how far she has come. From arriving as a Premier League Kicks participant, to stepping up as a volunteer, and now growing into a staff member with a role that in turn helps young people, Skye’s progress has been outstanding.”
2026 marks 20 years of Premier League Kicks, a programme that uses free football and mentoring to support young people in the areas that need it most.
Since its launch in 2006, Premier League Kicks has:
Skye is one of many young people across Norfolk who have benefited from the programme through free football, mentoring, and personal development opportunities delivered by Norwich City Community Sports Foundation.
Find out more about Premier League Kicks
17th March 2026
Norwich City players surprise ‘inspirational’ Foundation staff member with Premier League Community Captain award 2026
25th November 2025
Ramp up the festivities with our football fun this holiday!
15th October 2025
On 18th September, ten local businesses pulled on their football boots and took to The Nest for the 2025 Corporate Cup.
25th September 2025
The Community Sports Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new 2025/26 training range, produced in partnership with the Club’s technical kit partner, Joma.