Sandro Vashakidze named Premier League Kicks Community Captain
Sheffield United Community Foundation has named Sandro Vashakidze as its Premier League Kicks Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society.
This season is the 20th anniversary of Premier League Kicks, which sees 93 Premier League, EFL and National League clubs delivering free weekly football and personal-development sessions.
Since the launch of the programme, which uses the power of football to inspire young people to reach their potential, more than 600,000 young people have participated at over 5,000 venues across England and Wales. Sessions take place in some of the most under-served communities, supporting those who need it most.
An independent evaluation of Premier League Kicks found that 93 per cent of alumni believe the programme helped them get into less trouble and avoid negative influence, with 91 per cent learning more about the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour, helping to change attitudes and choices.
As part of its ‘More Than A Game’ campaign, the Premier League is celebrating more than 100 Community Captains – individuals nominated by Premier League, EFL and National League clubs for their contribution to their local community via Premier League Kicks to mark the anniversary.
Sandro Vashakidze has been chosen as Sheffield United Community Foundation’s 2026 Community Captain for his incredible commitment to his community and for Premier League Kicks.
From participant to coordinator, Sandro shares he “doesn’t know where I’d be” without the support Premier League Kicks brought to his life growing up and is proud to now be bringing the same support to hundreds of young people across Sheffield to reach their full potential through the power of football.
Rob Jenkinson, Participation and Inclusion Manager at the Foundation, shared: “Sandro epitomises all that is good about Premier League Kicks. His journey is inspiring and he is a true role model to participants, volunteers and staff. His influence in communities is unwavering, and over the last 15 years, he has enabled thousands of young people to reach their potential in life.”