CHLOE MCBRATNEY NAMED COMMUNITY CAPTAIN AS PREMIER LEAGUE LAUNCH 'MORE THAN A GAME' CAMPAIGN

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation proudly joins the Premier League's 'More Than a Game' campaign, highlighting the positive impact of Premier League funding and Club Community Programmes in communities across the country.

We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our chosen Premier League Community Captain, Chloe McBratney, recognising her instrumental role in raising the profile of our Premier League Primary Stars programme- particularly in SEN schools.

Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football to inspire children to be active and develop essential skills in more than 19,000 primary schools across England and Wales.

This week, Chloe will take a seat on the More Than a Game panel at Westminster and will be recognised at the Stoke Fixture with a Community Captain presentation.

Chloe’s Story:

SEN Multi-Sports Coach, Chloe, was born with no sight at all and later diagnosed with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia at just 18 months old, a condition that under develops the optic discs and poses significant challenges to vision. ONH is the underdevelopment of the Optic discs. The optic nerve is responsible for sending the message from your eyes to the brain letting you know what you are looking at. Chloe has also been diagnosed with macular hypoplasia, which will gradually take her sight over time.

Despite discouraging predictions from doctors about her potential achievements, Chloe's love for sports, especially football and basketball, became her driving force. Remarkably, she represented Wales in the under 16s basketball squad and was the only person to compete in the international tournament with a disability.

In 2019, another crucial member joined Chloe's team - Guide Dog Emily. This addition not only enhanced Chloe's daily life but also became an integral part of her journey at the Community Foundation and in our Primary Education programme.

Emily has proven to be a valuable asset in enhancing Chloe's efforts to support the mental and physical well-being of children, particularly those with disabilities. Emily plays a crucial role in facilitating interactions with these children, contributing positively to their overall experience on the programme.

Chloe has made a significant impact in more than 12 schools for children with special educational needs. By building strong connections in the SEN community, she has successfully expanded our Premier League Primary Stars project and grown it into the valued provision it is today. Thanks to Chloe, these Schools now have access to the sensory room at Cardiff City Stadium to further enhance their opportunities.

Chloe has actively taken the lead in organising inclusive Football Festivals, spearheading social action projects, coordinating targeted 1:1 interventions and engaging PE lessons with multiple schools in Primary Stars – providing opportunities for children to engage in physical activity and sport.

Being a former Post-16 Education beneficiary at the Community Foundation, where she studied BTEC Level 3 in Sport and Excellence, Chloe's initial steps paved the way for her current role. After receiving triple distinction*, she received five offers to university and successfully graduated from University of Worcester with a degree in Sports Coaching Science.

Chloe also serves as the Goalkeeper Coach for Cardiff City FC Women's Under 19s and as Head Coach at Barry Town United Pan Disability FC – where she makes sure that everyone has a chance to play football, regardless of their disability.

Chloe also holds the position as Governor at The Court Special School in Cardiff, amplifying the impact and influence of our Primary Education project in Cardiff City FC Communities. Her role as a Governor underscores the value and strength of her voice, making her a role model for the children she works with.

The Stoke fixture also showcases the 'Unite for Access' campaign by Level Playing Field, an annual event that acknowledges good access and inclusion at sports venues. Chloe's story perfectly captures the spirit of this initiative and 'More Than a Game,' emphasising the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in Cardiff City FC Communities.

Luke Jenkins-Jones, Primary Stars Coordinator said:

"Well done Chloe, our Community Champion! This is a well deserved award is a testament to the positive impact you've made through our hard work in primary education, especially with young people with additional learning needs - and the positive influence you've had on our community."

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 Community Foundation's dedication to changing lives and transforming communities.

The ‘More Than A Game’ campaign – which will be visible at all Premier League matches between 17 and 26 February – will showcase how the Premier League’s world-leading investment into all levels of football and funding for club community programmes positively impact the lives of millions.

Find out more about our Primary Stars project here!