Leeds United are pleased to announce avid supporter and Leeds United Foundation participant Barry Larkin as our Community Captain for the 2023/24 season as part of the Premier League’s ‘More than a game’ campaign.

The Premier League recently launched the ‘More than a game’ campaign to showcase how its wide-ranging investment into all levels of football enables people connected to clubs to have a positive impact on their local communities.

Clubs across the Premier League, EFL and National League are all naming their own Community Captain, which is somebody that is at the heart of their Premier League-funded programmes and who deserves recognition for their commitment and contribution to the game and society.

Barry Larkin is a familiar face around Elland Road, and he is a well-loved character amongst fellow supporters, working as a programme seller for over 40 years. Barry has been chosen as our Community Captain this season following his inspirational journey with one of the club’s official charity’s programmes, Fit Leeds. His journey is a real success story, showcasing what can be achieved when you are willing to step out of your comfort zone. Barry’s attitude towards the Fit Leeds initiative was Premier League standard and his results in losing 16kgs across the 12-week programme period showed a real commitment towards making positive changes – much like his commitment and dedication to his club, Leeds United. Barry has continued to make positive lifestyle choices and he has acted as a real inspiration for others ever since.

The success of the Premier League means unprecedented financial support is distributed across the leagues in England and Wales, from grassroots to professional football, across both the men and women’s game.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Premier League has committed £1.6billion of investment for wider football and communities, investing in community projects run by 164 professional and non-league clubs, supporting people of all ages who need it most through focused initiatives and programmes.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: "One of the great strengths of football is its ability to have a positive impact on people of all ages and backgrounds - from fans watching in the stands to the millions playing grassroots football, and all those involved in community programmes run by clubs.

"Thanks to the success of Premier League football, we are able to continue providing unparalleled investment to all levels of the game. This enables clubs to deliver life-changing community programmes week in, week out, in every part of the country.

"During this campaign, we will be celebrating Community Captains connected to clubs across the football pyramid. They are the unsung heroes and people who go above and beyond the call of duty to benefit the lives of others, demonstrating that football is so much more than a game."

All Community Captains, including our very own Barry, have been awarded with a bespoke print, captain's armband, and pennant as a thank you for their much-appreciated dedication and hard work. First-team player Stuart Dallas was on hand at a recent match at Elland Road to meet Barry and carry out the presentation alongside the Leeds United Foundation’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, Simon Wood.

To find out more, please visit: www.premierleague.com/morethanagame and use #PLMoreThanAGame on social media.