Richard Luscombe Argyle Community Trust is proud to announce that Paige Stevens has been named the 2026 Community Captain as part of the Premier League’s ‘More Than a Game’ campaign.
Paige is one of 93 Community Captains nominated this season for the positive impact they have had in their local area. The prestigious award is in recognition of Paige’s extraordinary journey from local participant to vital community member in Premier League programmes, including Premier League Kicks which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary.
A journey of growth and leadership
Paige’s story with the Trust began in 2021 when she was introduced to Premier League Kicks – a programme using the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential. After being instrumental in establishing the initial sessions at the outdoor MUGA (multi-use games area) at Flora Court, Stonehouse, she became a dedicated participant, attending football and sports sessions there for over four years.
Paige was then introduced to the Premier League Changemakers programme – a leadership programme empowering girls and young women through football. Paige was identified by her school as a natural leader, the perfect candidate and someone who encapsulates the meaning and spirit of the programme.
This provided Paige with career and life skills, confidence, and some incredible opportunities, including a visit to Villa Park, home of Premier League giants Aston Villa, as part of International Women’s Day.
Trust staff were quick to realise and praise Paige’s dedication and commitment, and proud to watch her confidence grow as her journey with the Trust continued. With Paige now over the age to participate in the Kicks programme she turned her experience and passion towards helping others. She regularly volunteers at sessions – supporting coaches with session delivery, and acts as a mentor and role model, encouraging younger participants, and helping create a positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
As well as her volunteering for the Kicks programme, Paige has taken part in a variety of Argyle Community Trust activations, including being a regular volunteer at our dedicated match days in support of Project 35, our social impact initiative tackling poverty in partnership with Ginsters.
The award was presented to Paige in a surprise ceremony by her favourite player Matty Sorinola. An excited Paige said: “I am pleased to have been given this award by my favourite player, Matty Sorinola. I was shocked. I wasn’t expecting it and I really appreciate it.
“I like to get involved in the programmes Argyle Community Trust run. I like working with and supporting children and making them feel happy and comfortable. I used to be a goalkeeper in a girls’ team, so I enjoy supporting others.
“Premier League Changemakers and Kicks has given me a lot of confidence and enabled me to build relationships with different young people. I just love it. It makes me feel good that I’m there to help others.”
Tallan Mitchell, Community Programmes Manager at Argyle Community Trust, added: “Paige is a massive part of the community. She has been improving herself and has helped others through Changemakers, Kicks, and through volunteering for the Trust and Club. This award is fully deserved to recognise the great work she does.
“It’s amazing to see someone who has evolved through different programmes, and her progression through the Trust, to become a role model for others.”
Beyond her involvement in the Kicks sessions, Paige is looking to the future and continuing developing through the pathways at Argyle Community Trust.
For 25 years, the Premier League has supported the development of grassroots facilities through the Football Foundation. Argyle Community Trust is proud to deliver Kicks, Inspires, and Changemakers across our facilities in the region thanks to Premier league investment.
The More Than a Game campaign has seen more than 100 clubs across the Premier League, EFL, and National League celebrating the people at the heart of the club’s community programmes, with Paige recognised for her contribution to football and society.
To find out more about Premier League’s ‘More than a game’ campaign, please visit: www.premierleague.com/morethanagame.
To find out more about our Premier League programmes and how you can get involved, email tallan.mitchell@pafc.co.uk.
