PLCF Awards recognise Foundation achievements

Established a decade ago, the PLCF provides investment and long-term support to help clubs across the football pyramid to create lasting change within communities.

In those 10 years, 110 professional football clubs from the Premier League to the National League have been working in their communities to engage those that need the greatest support, provide positive pathways and support mental and physical wellbeing. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the PLCF has recognised 10 individuals whose involvement with Manchester United Foundation, either as a participant or facilitator, has warranted special praise across five categories. 

Our winners include four members of Foundation staff: Jordanna Roberts, who has worked in our Primary Stars team since 2011; Darren Clarke, head coach at one of the flagship Street Reds projects (our community football programme); Lee Caldwell and Luke Ross, both of whom work in partner high schools and at Street Reds projects.

Lee has been particularly instrumental in the growth of the longest-standing school partnership, with Luke also starting his Foundation journey as a participant himself. The fifth winner in the facilitator category is Emma Danton, a teacher at a partner high school who worked closely with pupils on the PL Inspires programme.

“It is an absolute privilege to be recognised,” Emma said. “Whilst the award might have my name on it, I feel that it recognises every single person involved with our entry into the Premier League Enterprise challenge and all the good it achieved.”

The five other awards have been given to some of our outstanding participants such as Shia, a star of one of the #UnitedandMe campaign videos, and Lucy, part of the victorious 2016 Premier League Enterprise Challenge who has since gone on to secure a matchday role at Old Trafford.

“The Foundation has helped me so much in my personal life,” Lucy commented. “It has opened so many career opportunities and given me life experiences that I will never forget. I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award!”

Mark and Charlotte, two more of our winners, both have a long association with the Foundation and progressed to studying the BTEC Sport course ran in conjunction with one of our partner colleges. Rhea, our final winner, has been rewarded for the excellent progress she has made under the tutelage of her school partnership officer.

Everyone at Manchester United Foundation would like to send congratulations to our winners and all those at our fellow Premier League clubs. They will be celebrated throughout this week across Foundation social media channels.