Lee Trundle named Swansea City AFC Foundation's Premier League Community Captain

Lee Trundle has been named Swansea City AFC Foundation’s Premier League Community Captain, with former Swansea City and Wales captain Ashley Williams presenting him with the award.

Trundle received the award at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School as part of the Premier League’s 30-year anniversary trophy tour, which is visiting more than 50 professional, non-league and women’s football clubs across England and Wales who receive funding from the Premier League.

Believing that he was there to present the award to someone at the school, Trundle opened the envelope to reveal his own name with Williams then appearing to present him with the award.

The award was presented in recognition of Trundle's incredible work within the local community over the past decade. He has supported the work of the Foundation for almost 10 years, attending community events right across Swansea.

The former Swans forward was delighted to receive the award, saying it is an honour to represent the club in the community. 

“It’s a massive honour and a massive surprise as well,” said Trundle.

“I thought I was going to be presenting someone with the award not receiving it myself.

“It’s brilliant, I’ve represented the team on the football pitch and I love representing them out in the community as well. It’s a brilliant job, I love getting out and about with the fans - it’s honour to receive this award.

“It’s the way that the fans took me in when I first came to this football club, I came and only signed a one-year contract because I didn’t know if I was going to settle but within three months, the people of the city and the fans made me know it was a place I needed to be and play my football.

“The rapport that I have with the fans, when I played and now, it’s an honour for me to represent them and to represent this football club.

“I’m used to seeing Ashley on Match of the Day now so to see him here and for him to give me the award it was brilliant. Being an ex-teammate and a friend, it was lovely to catch up with him.”

Williams played with Trundle during the 2009-10 season and praised the community ambassador for his efforts over the past several years. Williams was pleased to be given the chance to present him with the award.

“It was an honour to present Trunds with the award, he’s done so much for the club and the city,” added Williams.

“He’s done so much good work and he was an excellent player as well so to be asked to present him with the award was an honour.

“It was nice that he was so shocked, I think he didn’t have any idea that he was getting it so to see his face meant it was all worthwhile.

“He does work that people don’t see and it’s nice for us to recognise all the work that he does and it is important work going into the community and trying to bridge the gap between the club and the community which I think he does such a good job of.”

Helen Elton, head of Swansea City AFC Foundation, has worked with Trundle ever since he began working alongside the organisation, and she was delighted to be able to fully recognise his efforts within the local area.

“His personality is perfectly suited to the role of ambassador - he is always professional, jovial, friendly and enthusiastic,” she said.

“He is genuinely interested in the people he meets in the role and as a result is loved by even non-football fans across the city.

“Lee is always available for community activity and has done a huge amount of work for the Swans Foundation. Sometimes that would be school visits, at other times it might be presenting a cheque to a local charity or being a joint compere at an awards ceremony.

“At Christmas, Lee gives up his time - alongside other volunteers - to pack and deliver Christmas Hampers as part of the Everyone Deserves a Christmas project.

“Whatever the event Lee is fully engaged and enthusiastic.  Last year, he took up a permanent committee role with the Former Players Association, a project of the Swans Foundation. He believes so much in the work of the Foundation that he has just become a trustee.”