Colin Bunney has been named as Plymouth Argyle’s Community Captain in recognition of his incredible work over the past 17 years as both an employee and volunteer at the Argyle Trust, delivering coaching for youth and disability participants aged from two to 16.
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.
Colin was presented with the award at Manadon Sports Hub, which is used by more than 30,000 people each year, has a floodlit 3G pitch, grass pitch and a modern pavilion with four changing rooms. It was opened in 2019 on a formerly derelict site, following a grant of more than £800,000 from the Football Foundation – funded by the Premier League, the FA and Government.
Colin was presented with a Premier League Community Captain pennant and special captain’s armband by Argyle Trust CEO Mark Lovell and former Plymouth Argyle skipper Gary Sawyer, who said:
“Naming Colin as the club’s Community Captain is an opportunity for us to demonstrate appreciation for Colin and his 17 years of incredible work with the Argyle Trust helping and inspiring young people.
“Colin just has this amazing passion and enthusiasm for football and seeing people succeed. Which makes him a more than worthy captain in our eyes.”
Colin said:
“Being recognised by my work colleagues as a Community Captain in this way is a big honour. I have always been football-crazy, playing from the age of five until I was 50, before becoming a coach.
“I love my job and I don’t do it for recognition. There’s a great team of people working at the Trust and there’s opportunities for everybody to be involved, which I think is fantastic.”
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.”
The Premier League provides £280,000 each year to the Argyle Trust to support its delivery of community schemes. This includes free weekly Premier League Kicks football sessions and positive activity for eight to 18-year-olds, as well as in-school support for primary schools running the Premier League Primary Stars education programme.
Across England and Wales, Premier League investment supports the community organisations of all 92 Premier League and English Football League clubs, plus the 68 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.
During the Trophy Tour, the League will be announcing new financial commitments to benefit fans and communities.
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.
