Bethany England named PFA Community Champion

Bethany made a personal commitment to support the Foundation in driving healthier and happier lifestyles at the start of this season, going on to help deliver the Shape Up with Spurs programme for cancer patients in Enfield, as well as the Active Memories programme at Lorenco House care home, near Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Her support has extended to bringing along teammates to sessions, personally collecting and donating new exercise equipment for participants, hosting them for a memorable visit to our Training Centre and bringing them pitchside ahead of a Spurs Women game at the Stadium.

During a visit to the cancer exercise group this week, there was an exclusive screening of a video marking Bethany’s support across the season, with participant Susan Finn alongside Patricia Stephani, a Lorenco House resident, then surprising Bethany with her award.

In the video, Bethany says: “Communities help bring people together and know they’re not alone. Being at such a big football club, we obviously know we’ve got fans, but we don’t know what’s going on in those fans’ lives. Considering what they bring towards helping us on the pitch, it’s about how we can give back and help them off the pitch.

“Going into the community and seeing these people, whether they’re struggling, whether they need help in different areas, if I’m in a position to help, I will always want to.”

Susan said: “Knowing Beth’s coming along to our sessions gives us an enormous morale boost. We watch and support her as she gets involved, and it makes us think that we’re going to do our best for Beth. It’s been great!

“The session was more ‘sit and move’ when Beth first came along, but thanks to her support and the brilliant team at the Foundation we now rarely sit and do exercises as most of it we can do standing.

“Beth visiting us has also given us a keen interest in football. We were really excited to watch her play and I’m going to Brighton to watch her and the team next week.”

The Foundation is dedicated to tackling health inequalities across Haringey and Enfield. Bethany has been spurred on to support that work by her own experience of caring for her grandmother and having seen the impact of cancer on other family members.

Adam Millar, Foundation health and wellbeing programme coordinator, said: “Seeing Bethany recognised in this way means a huge amount to everyone involved in our programmes. Her genuine commitment to supporting people in our community has made a real, lasting difference. She doesn’t just show up; she connects, motivates and inspires. This award reflects the impact she’s had on individuals who have grown in confidence, improved their wellbeing and felt a stronger sense of belonging thanks to her support.”

The Foundation’s Shape Up with Spurs and Active Memories programmes are made possible by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund.

Administered through the Premier League Foundation, the funding helps football clubs tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.

Support also comes from the Postcode Lottery and individuals who fundraise for the Foundation.

To find out more about how you can help, click here.

Watch the full video here