James Aspinall has been named as Chesterfield’s 2024/25 Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society.
Over the next two weeks, the Premier League and clubs will be celebrating ‘More Than A Game’ and highlighting the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.
The Premier League is investing £1.6billion 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.
As part of ‘More Than A Game’, the League will be celebrating more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via programmes funded by the Premier League.
James has been chosen as the Spireites’ 2025 Community Captain for his incredible commitment to the community in his role as a youth diversion lead.
On receiving the award, James said: “I’m really, really proud, I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was just doing my job, which I love doing, creating opportunities for young people. It’s a big team effort and we’ve come on leaps and bounds in the four years that I have been here.”
The Trust’s deputy head of community, Keith Jackson, said: “James was nominated as our Community Captain due to his stellar work on the PL Kicks project over a number of years, increasing the variety of sessions we deliver and the number of young people that we have engaged with significantly.
“James puts the young people at the heart of the project and listens to them, which goes a long way on Kicks. He’s done a great job and is a fantastic ambassador to be our Community Captain.”
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.”
Photo shows James Aspinall (left) receiving a shirt and pennant from Keith Jackson.