Humayun Islam named Bradford City AFC’s Community Captain as part of the Premier League’s 30th-anniversary celebrations

Humayun Islam, 45 of Bradford, has been named as BEAP Community Partnership’s Community Captain in recognition of his incredible work in Bradford through the centre, helping to address high levels of deprivation in the neighbourhood, particularly amongst the Bangladeshi Community.
Humayun has also been pivotal in helping the club diversify its fanbase through his leadership of the Bangla Bantams supporter group, which has engaged local people in match day experiences that have led to an increase in South Asian female attendees at games.
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.
Presentations to the Captains form part of the Premier League Trophy Tour, which is visiting more than 50 professional, non-league and women’s clubs across England and Wales who receive funding from the Premier League.
Humayun was awarded a PL30 Community Captain armband and pennant by Monika Stube, Bradford City Women’s midfielder, at the BEAP Midland Road Sports Complex, which was recently opened by Bradford City AFC’s manager Mark Hughes. The facility received a £600,000 grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government's Football Foundation, as well as additional funding from Power to Change, Sport England and Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
Ian Ormondroyd, who presented the award ceremony, said, “Congratulations to Humayun Islam on the award of the Community Captain from the Premier League. The new facility at BEAP Community Partnership is superb and fantastic for the local Manningham community, which is one of the most deprived wards in the country. With it being next to the football club it is a great facility for all of the community to use."
Humayun said, “I am honoured and overwhelmed to receive this accolade. For me, this award is all about the local community and the work we do at BEAP to bring people from diverse backgrounds together – all for the love of sport. I am delighted to see Bangla Bantams be recognised in this way, just a free kick away from our beloved Bradford City."
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 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.