Dan Garnett named Swansea City AFC Foundation's Premier League Community Captain

Swansea City AFC Foundation's sports and education co-ordinator Dan Garnett has been named as a Premier League Community Captain, with Jamie Paterson presenting him with the award.

The Premier League Community Captain award celebrates those who have made a difference in their local community and continually gives back to others, and Dan's relationship with the Foundation has seen him go from being a participant in their sessions to helping deliver their programmes in Swansea and the surrounding area.

Dan began his journey with the Foundation as part of the Premier League 4 Sport project, first attending basketball sessions at Morriston Leisure Centre in 2014.

Through that programme, Dan represented Swansea City in a number of tournaments across England and Wales, taking part in basketball and football competitions.

He became a volunteer coach on that programme in 2018, as well as delivering the Foundation's Premier League Kicks project.

As part of Dan’s development, he completed a BSc sports coaching and development degree at the University of South Wales through the Foundation, leading to him earning full-time employment with Swansea City's charitable arm.

A lifelong Swansea City fan, he has been a season ticket holder for 14 years, as well as travelling to follow the Swans across the country.

To mark and celebrate Dan's 10-year relationship with the Foundation, Swans midfielder Jamie Paterson was on hand to present him with the community captain award.

Foundation head of programmes Thomas Williams has seen Dan’s entire journey, and believes his progression represents exactly what the Foundation's work is all about.

“Dan has worked really hard over the years to improve his practice and his delivery, and now he is one of our best members of staff,” said Williams.

“He’s a big Swansea City fan, he comes to every game, he is a season-ticket holder. So, for him to meet one of his heroes and for one of his heroes to recognise him as an individual and the hard work that he has put in for the Foundation is a fantastic moment for Dan.

“People like Dan are the lifeblood of our organisation; these people have trodden the same path as the participants we work with on a daily basis.

"They know the outcomes that can be achieved through the work we do, and I think it’s brilliant for them to see Dan as that role model.

“His confidence has improved tremendously over the years. He is professional, he has a really passionate personality that is infectious when he speaks with young people, they really want to engage with him and that’s really important to us.

“Having someone like Dan who is from the local community, grew up in the community, and is really passionate about the local community and Swansea City, that is so critical to him being the great coach that he is today.”

Dan was surprised to receive the award and was grateful to be recognised for his years of hard work.

“Going from a participant to a volunteer, a causal member of staff, all the way to a full-time member of staff, I think there have been a massive amount of growth in that time,” said Dan.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all, but it’s great to have a little gesture like that to represent the work that I’ve put in over the years.

“I’ve really tried my best to work my way through the Foundation and make as much of an impact as I can. It’s been something that I’ve really enjoyed.

“I watch Jamie Paterson week in week out, I think he’s a fantastic player and someone that I really look up to and respect, I think he’s a really down to earth person and having someone like him present the award made it even more special.”

Paterson was delighted that he could help recognise Dan with the award and was full of admiration for his commitment to the club.

“Dan was surprised, and he was buzzing to receive the award,” said Paterson.

“To hear that he comes to home and away games, especially the away games, is massive, he’s a huge fan and he’s doing some great work.

“He definitely deserves the award, it’s great to be able to recognise him and see that great relationship between the club and the Foundation, it’s a great and long may it continue.”