Cardiff City FC Community Foundation appoint Chair Designate Andrew Diplock
The Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Cardiff City FC, is delighted to announce Andrew Diplock's appointment as Chair Designate.
A visual representation of the possibilities in sport, regardless of your physical ability or disability.
Chloe McBratney has been named Cardiff City FC Community Foundation’s Community Captain in recognition of her dedication and work in delivering our Premier League Primary Stars programme - particularly in Special Education Needs (SEN) schools.
Community Captains are chosen by all Clubs to highlight individuals who deserve recognition of their role in a community programme supported by the Premier League, and are celebrated as part of their #MoreThanAGame campaign, which highlights the positive impact of their investment in clubs and communities to the lives of millions of people
On 24th February - Chloe, accompanied by Guide Dog Emily, received her Community Captain's armband from Bluebirds captain, Joe Ralls, before the home Championship win against Stoke City.
Continuing from this, thanks to the Premier League’s support, the duo were unveiled on a specially commissioned mural in the heart of Cardiff City Centre, created to commemorate their impact on children and young individuals within Cardiff City FC Communities.
The mural represents that anything is possible, regardless of physical ability or disability.
Community Foundation ambassador, Joe Ralls, also attended the unveiling and participated in the ceremony – presenting a special Community Captain bandana to Emily. Speaking with Joe, Chloe also provided insights into the design of the mural and explained the thoughtful decisions behind the colours, considering the needs of those who are colour-blind – as well the addition of a small 3D model installed at chest height.
You can find out more about Chloe's journey to becoming our community captain by reading here!
The Premier League supports football at every level of the game in England and Wales, to change the lives of millions
Located on Quay Street in Cardiff City Centre, the mural stands as a testament to Chloe's remarkable message – “Your disability doesn’t define your ability.” Soon, it will be enhanced with the addition of a braille plaque, ensuring even more individuals can access Chloe’s important message.
Community Captain, Chloe McBratney said:
"It's a surreal experience to have a mural created in such an iconic location and see the impact I've had in the SEN Sector. There was no role model for me to look up to when I was growing up, and now, to be that person - is an immense feeling. Don't let anyone tell you NO!"
Chloe's efforts have significantly widened access to exercise, sport, and football for children in South Wales. Her commitment to diversity is evident in every aspect of her work, reinforcing the Foundation's dedication to changing lives and transforming communities.
"Your disability doesn’t define your ability."
Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League's primary school education programme, using the appeal of football to support children to be active and develop essential life skills. It is available to every primary school in England and Wales, with over 19,000 schools engaged with the programme. More than 1.3million school sessions and events have already been delivered.
Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Charitable Fund, the programme has enabled over 68,000 teachers to use resources for English, PSHE, PE and Maths, to help children to be active and develop essential life skills. There are 650+ free resources available.
Currently 104 professional football club charities from the National League to the Premier League run in-classroom Primary Stars sessions in local schools, with over 18m attendances by primary school pupils.
We're on a mission to make education and skills development accessible to all, while having some fun with football along the way.
Luke Jenkins-Jones, PL Primary Stars Coordinator at the Community Foundation said:
"Well done Chloe, our Community Champion! This well-deserved award is a testament to the positive impact you've made through your hard work in primary education, especially with young people with additional learning needs - and the positive influence you've had on our community."
Zac Lyndon-Jones, Head of Community Development at the Community Foundation said:
“Since joining Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, Chloe has grown significantly. Her leadership skills have evolved, seen through coordinating events, collaborating with team members, and handling responsibilities in community projects. Her involvement has instilled a strong sense of community spirit, supporting the Community Foundation to change lives and transform communities.”
together, they're changing lives and transforming communities.
The investment we receive from the Premier League and Premier League Charitable Fund is crucial for us to make a difference that lasts a lifetime, through both Chloe's work, and our wider work, to help people in our communities achieve their full potential.
For more information about the Community Foundation and programmes near you, visit www.cardiffcityfoundation.org.uk and follow our channels on social media for more news and updates.
