West Ham United is proud to announce that Arran Johny has been awarded the Club’s Community Captain as part of the Premier League’s ‘More Than A Game’ campaign, which celebrates individuals who have made a significant impact through football in their communities.
Johny, who has been a dedicated member of the West Ham United Foundation for over a decade, was presented with his Community Captain award this week while running a Premier League Kicks session at Parsloes Park in Dagenham.
There, he was surprised by Head Coach, Graham Potter, captain Jarrod Bowen, women’s first-team player Princess Ademiluyi and acclaimed actor and philanthropist Idris Elba. He will also be celebrated at London Stadium ahead of kick-off this afternoon.
‘More Than A Game’ highlights the vital role football plays in communities across the country. Between 2022-25, the Premier League is investing £1.6 billion into grassroots football, non-league clubs, and community projects, ensuring that the game continues to inspire and support people of all ages. More than 100 clubs from the Premier League, EFL, and National League are joining the initiative by honouring Community Captains who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to making a difference.
Johny’s journey with the West Ham United Foundation began as a volunteer with the Premier League Kicks programme. His passion and dedication saw him progress into multiple roles, from mentoring young people at Kingsford School to coaching within the Post-16 programme at Chadwell Heath and supporting Pre-Academy work. His leadership skills later led him to manage his own project under the Youth Investment Fund (YIF), delivering multi-sport sessions in Tower Hamlets.
He has since taken on a pivotal role as MyEnds Coordinator and Youth Engagement Coordinator, overseeing intervention and prevention programmes in Barking. Through initiatives such as the Jigsaw intervention project and the youth forum, he continues to use sport as a tool to empower young people, providing opportunities and support to those at risk.
On receiving the award, Johny said: “Being awarded the Community Captain award has been unbelievable. If I can make a positive impact on someone's life that’s all the recognition I need, when I hear that someone who I got back into mainstream education has finished secondary school, I’ll be there at home jumping up and down.
“Premier League Kicks is such an important programme, it’s so important that clubs can use the badge to make a positive impact, because things like this are the heart of a community.”
Head Coach Potter paid tribute to Arran’s impact, saying: “Football is so much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about community, opportunity, and giving people the chance to thrive. Arran embodies these values, and his work has made a real difference to so many young people. It’s fantastic to see his dedication recognised, and we’re incredibly proud to have him as part of the West Ham United family.”
