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Nottingham Forest is proud to announce Gary Bull as Nottingham Forest’s 2025/26 Premier League Community Captain, as part of the Premier League’s More Than A Game campaign.

Gary was presented with the award during a surprise presentation at the City Ground by captain, Ryan Yates, recognising his long-standing dedication to supporting young people across Nottinghamshire.

The Premier League Community Captain accolade celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in their work to support others through football club charity programmes.

Gary has been chosen for his exceptional long-term commitment to Premier League Kicks and Nottingham Forest Community Trust. For more than a decade, Gary has remained a trusted and consistent presence within the programme, helping to create safe, inclusive, and engaging environments for young people in some of Nottingham’s most disadvantaged communities.

A former Nottingham Forest player and professional footballer, Gary brings unique credibility and authenticity to his role as a Premier League Kicks coach.

His playing career also includes a rare Premier League accolade, as one of only a small number of players with a 100 per cent scoring record in the division. This story often sparks conversations with participants and helps him quickly build rapport, engagement, and trust during sessions.

Today, Gary still lives locally and works as a postman for Royal Mail. When he’s not delivering letters, he spends his Friday evenings delivering Premier League Kicks sessions, representing the Community Trust in some of Nottingham’s most deprived areas and supporting young people who may otherwise struggle to access football and sport.

Gary’s long-term involvement has had a significant and lasting impact on the programme. His consistency has provided stability across delivery sites, helping ensure sessions remain high quality, welcoming, and well attended. His background in the professional game regularly captures the imagination of participants, inspiring conversations around ambition, resilience, and making the most of opportunities.

Premier League Kicks uses football and sport as a platform to inspire young people to reach their potential. The programme creates opportunities for young people who may be at risk of anti-social behaviour or youth violence, or who live in high-need areas, to regularly take part in football, sport, mentoring, and personal development activities.

In 2026, Premier League Kicks celebrates its 20th anniversary. Nottingham Forest Community Trust has delivered the programme since 2006 and currently runs sessions five days a week across the city and surrounding county areas.

On receiving the award, Gary said, “It’s a real privilege to be named Community Captain. I enjoy every Kicks session because it’s about connecting with the kids, listening to them, and helping them get the most out of football and sport in a safe space. That’s what keeps me coming back week after week.”

Ryan Yates added, “It was an honour to present Gary with the 2025/26 Premier League Community Captain award. He’s a massive part of what this club is about – giving back to the city.

“People like Gary, who give up their own time to mentor and inspire the next generation, are the real heartbeat of the community. His commitment over the last decade to Nottingham Forest Community Trust is incredible, and you can see the respect the kids have for him.”