FLEMMING & BENSON SURPRISE COMMUNITY CAPTAIN LES!

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Burnley FC in the Community name Community Captain

2025-03-09T17:30:00.000Z

FLEMMING & BENSON SURPRISE COMMUNITY CAPTAIN LES!

Burnley FC in the Community name Community Captain

2025-03-09T17:30:00.000Z

Burnley FC in the Community name Community Captain

Burnley FC in the Community has named Les Newcombe as their Premier League Community Captain in recognition of his commitment and contribution to the game and society.

In recent weeks, the Premier League and clubs celebrated ‘More Than A Game’ highlighting the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and clubs at every level of football.

Les has been chosen as Burnley Football Club's 2025 Community Captain for his incredible commitment to the community and his decade-long volunteer work with the charity.

Upon receiving the award, Les said: "I am incredibly grateful for everything that Burnley FC in the Community has done for me. The charity has given me the opportunity to keep refereeing and doing what I love, while also providing me with support and memories over the years through their programmes.

FLEMMING & BENSON SURPRISE COMMUNITY CAPTAIN LES! - Image 1

"I had no idea that the players were surprising me today or that I had been nominated for this award. Everyone keeps saying thank you to me, but I want to say thank you to Burnley FC in the Community and the staff who work there because they are the ones making a difference!"

Helen Gurman, Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community said: "For over a decade, Les has been an invaluable part of the charity, contributing his time, expertise, and passion. On the pitch, his dedication and commitment to fairness have earned him recognition as a skilled referee.

"Off the pitch, Les shows the same positivity and enthusiasm in our senior sports programme, which was his original idea to help senior individuals stay active. Since the programme began, it has grown significantly, now involving 85 regular participants, and supporting over 100 people, and for this, we have Les to thank.”

Health and Wellbeing Manager at Burnley FC in the Community, Martin Payne added: "I met Les during my first week working at the charity and knew instantly he embodied what Burnley FC in the Community is all about. He asked me for two bowling mats, so I drove halfway across the country to pick up some second-hand mats, and he’s been playing on them ever since. For people like Les, that’s what we do - they tell us what will have a positive impact on their life, and we do what we can to help them! It was an amazing moment for Flemming and Benson to give Les the award. He’s a huge Burnley fan and I know it’s a memory he’ll hold close to his heart forever, and it’s one that he truly deserves."