EPL clubs undertake community engagement

English Premier League clubs have launched a new initiative to increase their support for community projects and charities. From research by Deloitte the ‘creating chances’ enterprise will increase clubs’ spending on community issues to £122 million next season representing a 50 percent increase since the last research was taken in 2003. The central part of the scheme is entitled ‘Places for Players’ will involve 200 players sponsoring projects and raising awareness for the charitable organisations, over 400 good causes will benefit.

"Community engagement is now woven into the fabric of football and the size and scope of that commitment today really is something of which the Premier League, our clubs and the players can be extremely proud," Richard Scudamore, Chief Executive of the Premier League, said as quoted by Soccer Investor. “Football clubs have a unique position in their communities. They are now helping to raise standards of education, working with police to cut crime and anti-social behaviour and also re-investing millions of pounds into football facilities for the public," said James Purnell, the UK's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.