A young Bradford coach who once turned up to free football sessions as a teenager has now been recognised on the national stage, highlighting a journey rooted in the city’s grassroots game.
Ali Sawari, a coach with Bradford City’s Community Foundation, has been named a Premier League Community Captain, marking a significant milestone in his transition from participant to mentor.
The accolade places Sawari among a select group recognised for their impact beyond the pitch, but locally, it tells a more personal story of progression, resilience and responsibility.
Sawari first joined the Premier League Kicks programme in November 2021, attending weekly sessions aimed at providing safe, structured football opportunities for young people. Less than four years later, he now leads those same sessions, working with hundreds of participants across Bradford.
Reflecting on the recognition, Sawari admitted the moment came as a surprise.
“I was very surprised and happy to receive this award,” he said. “It’s been great working at the Foundation and coaching with Kicks. I’ve learnt a lot since I joined. I’m honoured to be recognised and I’m looking forward to continuing my journey.”
His journey is one that mirrors the pathway many grassroots initiatives hope to create, turning engagement into leadership. After ageing out of the programme as a player, Sawari was invited back in April 2025 to take on a coaching role, a move that has since seen him become a familiar and trusted figure among young attendees.
Colleagues say his influence extends beyond football.
Darrel Walker, Premier League Kicks Coordinator at the Foundation, described Sawari as a “committed and mature” presence who has
grown steadily into the role.
“It has been a privilege to see Ali develop,” he said. “From the moment he joined as a participant, you could see his dedication. This recognition reflects the consistency and energy he brings to every session.”
Sawari’s work now centres on engaging young people across the city, many from under-served communities, offering not just football coaching but guidance, structure and a sense of belonging.
The award was presented earlier this month during Bradford City’s Community Takeover Day at the University of Bradford Stadium, in front of more than 1,000 attendees including players, schools and community groups, many of whom have crossed paths with Sawari through weekly sessions.
For those watching from the stands, it marked a full-circle moment: a former participant now shaping the next generation.
While the recognition celebrates past efforts, Sawari’s focus remains firmly on what comes next.
With demand for youth engagement programmes continuing to grow across Bradford, his role is expected to expand, both in reach and responsibility, as more young people look for accessible pathways into sport.
His story offers a snapshot of how local initiatives can influence long-term change, not just by keeping young people active, but by creating leaders from within the community itself.
And for Sawari, the journey is far from over.
