TUAFC name Jo Harris as the Club’s Community Captain to help mark the Premier League’s 30th-anniversary celebrations
Torquay-born and raised Club stalwart Jo Harris has been named as Torquay United AFC’s Community Captain in recognition of her incredible work in the local area, which has included playing an integral role in a number of community ventures.
Amongst other projects, Jo’s work has included leading the recent fundraising drive towards installing a new public defibrillator at Plainmoor, overseeing United’s Free Tickets for Foster Carers campaign, and co-ordinating the Club’s latest initiative – providing VIP packages for local children with autism and other learning difficulties.
The Community Captain accolade is being given to more than 100 members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and local community, as part of the Premier League’s 30th anniversary celebrations.
Ahead of kick-off at Plainmoor last Saturday, Jo was presented with her accolade by TUWFC manager and Mascot Coordinator, Steve Elswood.
After presenting the award, Steve paid tribute to Jo’s hard work throughout the local community: “Jo is a worthy recipient of this award, and I’m pleased to be here to present the Community Captain accolade to her on the Club’s behalf. It’s fantastic to see one of the Club’s unsung heroes recognised in this way.”
Jo, meanwhile, spoke of her pride at being named as Community Captain.
“I’m obviously very proud to be named as Torquay United’s Community Captain, as both the Club – and the local community – is very close to my heart. We’ve had a fantastic response to our recent initiatives, and that makes it very rewarding.
“It’s very much a team effort here at Plainmoor though. When we all work together, we can achieve so much more.”
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “As we mark 30 years since the Premier League first kicked off, it is important we celebrate the unsung heroes who deliver brilliant work in their communities. These people – whether they are participants, coaches, volunteers or long-time employees – are the lifeblood of their clubs and their communities.
“The continued success of Premier League football enables us to provide unprecedented investment in communities and wider football. As we look to the future, we are committed to investing more than ever, to help develop the game and provide opportunities to people of all ages.”
Across England and Wales, Premier League investment supports the community organisations of all 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, plus the 72 National League clubs.
Over the next three years, the League will continue its world-leading levels of support by contributing £1.6 billion to communities and the wider game.
This includes increased investment into the Premier League Fans’ Fund, with £5m available to support fan engagement projects across the top four divisions of the football pyramid. The League is also investing an additional £13.5 million into the Football Foundation to create small-sided pitches in the heart of communities that need them the most. The tour will also give an opportunity to highlight new Premier League investment into women’s and girls’ football, including the Emerging Talent Centres announced earlier this summer.
To find out more, please visit premierleague.com
Congratulations, Jo!
#OneClub #OneCommunity