Supporter and volunteer named Watford FC community captain

Barry Freedman, from Watford, was awarded the accolade in recognition of his “incredible work” in the area.

Having attended home and away games for over 50 years Barry became a volunteer for Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust in late 2017 as he wanted to give back to the club and community.

Read more:

• Best memories at The Horns pub as future hangs in the balance
• Round-up of Watford criminals jailed over three months
• Review: Honest Burgers' new truffle burger comes to Watford

As a former bus driver, he quickly took on the role of driving the trust minibus for Westfield Academy and Whitmore High School football and education schemes and was part of the team behind the success of the Golden Memories and Golden Friends programmes.

The new community captain said: “I’ve been a volunteer for the Trust for many years, so it is lovely to be recognised with this award, which I knew absolutely nothing about.

Golden memories volunteers, Shona McHale (Image: Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust)

“I’ve been privileged to be a part of many, many projects, ranging from disability programmes to supporting Premier League Kicks, as well as of course today’s programme – Golden Memories.”

In 2018 alone, he clocked up 348 hours of volunteering across 61 different events.

Luther Blissett and Jeremy Ngakia awarded him a PL30 Community Captain armband and pennant at Vicarage Road Stadium after a Golden Memories session, with Watford MP Dean Russell and Watford mayor Peter Taylor also in attendance.

The Community Captain accolade is being given to 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.

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.

Community captain presentation (Image: Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust)

“These people – whether they are participants, coaches, volunteers, or long-time employees – are the lifeblood of their clubs and their communities.”

Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust deliver the Premier League’s national programmes – Premier League Kicks, Premier League Inspires, and Premier League Primary Stars.

Other programmes it delivers which benefit from Premier League funding include Active Watford and Three Rivers, Golden Memories, Positive Minds, and Shape Up.

Barry has also lent support to a Premier League Primary Stars national event at Vicarage Road, served refreshments to participants on The Taylor Trek, and represented the Trust at Watford’s Big Jubilee Weekend and the Hertfordshire County Show.

Luther Blissett, Jeremy Ngakia, Alzheimers Society (Image: Watford FC Community Sports & Education Trust)

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.