For 25 years, John Abel has been running inclusive football sessions for the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation throughout the north London community, inspiring thousands to take part who may never have previously known a pathway.
“What inspires me and keeps me getting up in the mornings is making sure I put a smile on people’s faces," he says. "If I walk in a room and I go and say hello, and they smile at me, that’s my job done before I even start delivering the session. If I get that smile in their eyes, I know I’ve made a difference to that person.
John's dedication to working tirelessly to provide football for those with a wide range of disabilities, including the delivery of adapted versions of the game, was rewarded by him being named the Spurs' Premier League Community Captain.
He received the award as part of the promotion of the Premier League’s More Than A Game initiative, which brings football together to celebrate community programmes this month.
John has worked with all sorts of people during his quarter of a century with the Foundation, some went on to represent their countries, such as Team GB at the London 2012 Paralympics.
“Some of the young people I've worked with have had life-limiting illnesses," he tells the Spurs' website. "It can be a tough, unforgiving world. Working with them, no matter how short a time it's for, can make such a difference. I've even been invited to the funeral of one child during my time, showing how much the parents appreciated our support.
“On the other side, you’ve got those who go on to fulfil a life, have a family, buy a house, get a job. We're that little link at the beginning that gives them the fundamental life skills and the opportunity to succeed.”
John also helps to deliver other sessions for the Foundation, such as a "Sporting Memories" programme for people with dementia and walking football sessions for women.
As well as the Community Captain award and special shirt that he received, John was surprised by a visit from men's first-team forward Brennan Johnson.
“John is a fantastic example of someone doing incredible work in the community, so to have the opportunity to present him with this award is extra special," Johnson said.
What is More than a game?
More than a game highlights the positive impact of Premier League investment into communities and all levels of football. The League is investing £1.6billion into wider football, the grassroots game and communities between 2022 and 2025.
This includes funding for community projects run by 164 professional and non-league clubs, supporting people of all ages who need it most, as well as providing much-needed funding to non-league, grassroots and women’s clubs to enhance stadium facilities for players and fans.