Maidenhead United fan Nick Bradshaw was given the opportunity to hold the Premier League trophy and was given a pennant as the association stopped at York Road as part of the 30th Anniversary Celebrations.
As part of the tour, clubs recognise and celebrate their own ‘Community Captains’, selected for their contribution in the local area. At this the stop, Maidenhead United men’s team captain Alan Massey presented the Community Captain award to lifelong fan Mr Bradshaw in recognition of his work combatting loneliness and providing support to vulnerable residents in the local community.
During lockdown, Mr Bradshaw formed a friendship with the late Maidenhead resident Levi Niemann, a remarkable man who was registered as blind in 2012. He met Levi via the Magpies Community Care Helpline and helped him to live a more independent life - even supporting him to achieve his lifetime ambition of skydiving to raise funds for Guide Dogs UK.
Magpies captain Massey commented: "A captain is someone who shows leadership and commitment and uses their ability to help others, which means Nick is a more than deserving recipient of this prestigious Premier League award,” said Massey.
“Nick is an incredible example of the relationship the club is proud to have within the community and it is testament to the hard work of everyone at the Community Trust.”
The trophy’s Maidenhead United visit was also the stage for the Premier League to announce an investment of £12.6m into the National League – a sum of £9m to support the 72 National League Clubs with running costs and sustainability, a further £3.6m will be available via to support the National League Trust and the network of club community organisations like the Maidenhead United FC Community Trust.
Since 2003, Maidenhead United have received more than £300,000 in funding for stadium improvements from the Premier League, with grants contributing to the construction of covered seating areas, a new accessibility entrance and updated turnstiles and floodlights.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here