Rebecca Jones has been named our Premier League Community Captain in recognition of her work in empowering and inspiring young girls in our communities.
Rebecca has worked at the club as a sessional coach for Arsenal in the Community for over ten years, working across a number of community projects, including Premier League Kicks. She has also led our Girls Only football programme for the past eight years, during which time the project has grown to engage more than 700 girls per year.
There is often a big fall in the number of girls that stay in the sport when they reach their teens, but Rebecca has become an invaluable role model who has consistently worked to create a sense of belonging among young people.
Rebecca’s journey into coaching began during her time at London Met University, where she pursued sports science and approached Arsenal in the Community at the Freshers’ Fair as we sought volunteers for our Double Club, an innovative education programme that combines football and learning. Rebecca signed up to help, and then pursued her coaching badges through this programme, attaining her FA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications.
Since joining our coaching staff in 2014 she has played an indispensable role, conducting sessions across estates, schools and holiday programmes. In 2015 she took on the responsibility for developing the hugely successful Girls Only programme.
Rebecca was presented a bespoke print and pennant by Mikel Arteta and Takehiro Tomiyasu and our Sobha Realty Training Centre, earlier today.
“Receiving a community captain award nominated by my peers is not just an honour, it's a testament to the incredible power of collective recognition and the beauty of shared purpose,” said Rebecca. “To be acknowledged by those who walk alongside me in the journey of community building is truly humbling and profoundly inspiring. I’ve been at the club for over ten years and it’s been an amazing journey. I love what I do in the community, coaching in the local area is my passion and I’m grateful to be able to do it for the club that I support.”
The Premier League is celebrating Community Captains as part of its More Than A Game campaign, which will be visible at all Premier League matches from 17th - 26th February to showcase how its investment into all levels of football and funding for club community programmes positively impact the lives of millions.
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