Season Review - Premier League
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Season Review 2019/20
Welcome
The power of football to unite communities was evident
during a Premier League season like no other, and there
was plenty of thrilling action on the pitch to keep fans
around the world entertained throughout the campaign
The 2019/20 Premier League consistency to be crowned the League, clubs, players, staff as possible available for fans to to work together to promote
season was one we will never Premier League champions for and fans responded quickly to follow and we worked closely equality of opportunity and
forget. COVID-19 caused an the first time in fewer matches COVID-19. The importance of with our broadcast partners to celebrate diversity.
unprecedented crisis and my than any other club – an clubs to their communities was ensure the viewing experience
thoughts are with everyone incredible achievement. more evident than ever, as they was as enjoyable as it could be. We have overcome many
whose lives have been affected provided great support to the challenges to complete a
by the pandemic. There are many reasons why NHS and helped hundreds of Our commitment to tackling 50-week season, learning so
the season will live long in thousands of people during the discrimination and promoting much along the way. This can
To restart and then complete the the memory, including the crisis, including making phone equality and inclusion across only help us as we look forward
season after a 100-day hiatus outstanding performances of calls to fans and providing food all areas of football continues to 2020/21 and more thrilling
was an achievement only made numerous young English players parcels to vulnerable or isolated to be a priority. One incident of football on the pitch. The Premier
possible by the collaboration of and a final day that kept us on individuals. The power of football discrimination is one too many League will not truly be back until
clubs, players, managers, staff the edge of our seats until the to unite communities, at a time and we have programmes and we have fans in our stadiums
and the hard work of so many. very last minute. when people have been so far policies in place to address this and we are working with the
We witnessed a brilliant season apart, has been incredible. issue, but we strive to do more. Government, the whole of
up to the suspension in March The season also saw the football and other stakeholders
and there were plenty of exciting, introduction of Video Assistant While playing behind closed The online abuse some on this important next step, with
competitive matches following Referees. It has been a period of doors meant it was not the players have received is wholly safety remaining a priority.
the restart, which fans watched learning for us, but the key thing Premier League we all know and unacceptable and we have
in record numbers. is we are getting more correct love, the fact we were able to launched a reporting system to
decisions. We will continue to restart and finish the season was help investigate such incidents
Of course, I must congratulate work with clubs to discuss how important, not only for us but and take legal action where
Liverpool on their spectacular improvements can be made. for the wider football pyramid, appropriate. Players also came
title win. Their performances sport as a whole and for society together this season to show Richard Masters
were of the highest standard Following football’s suspension, I generally. It was also important their solidarity against racial Chief Executive
and they showed remarkable was extremely proud of the way for us to make as many matches prejudice and we will continue Premier League
The Football The Fans The Communities The Premier League
Champions and homegrown talent 06-07 Everyone’s game 14-15 Covid-19 community support 24-25 Economic and social benefits 32-33
Premier League Season Awards 08-09 Open and inclusive 16-17 Caring for the NHS 26-27 Tackling discrimination 34-35
Coaching and development 10-11 Broadcast enhancements 18-19 Pathways for young people 28-29 Sharing success 36-37
Project Restart 12-13 Global appeal 20-21 Aiding positive physical and mental health 30-31 Positive impact 38-39
2 Welcome 3
“I couldn’t be more proud of my
coaching staff and all the people
in Liverpool since we came in.
It’s been a really exciting ride
since the first day and it is
not over yet. It is such a big
moment and I’m completely
overwhelmed. I never could have
thought it would feel like this.
It’s an incredible achievement
by my players and it’s a huge joy
for me to coach them.”
Jürgen Klopp
Head Coach, Liverpool
Exciting
football
A season of exceptional quality presented unforeseen
challenges and a three-month suspension, but our
clubs’ commitment to the highest possible playing
and coaching standards remained as strong as ever
4 The Football 5
Keeping our foot Homegrown talents enter the stage
on the accelerator One of the standout features of
the 2019/20 Premier League season
was the quantity and quality of
of 2018/19 before appearing 31 times
in the League this season, scoring 10
goals. Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell
homegrown players making a name was one of the team’s shining lights,
Season 2019/20 saw Liverpool clinch their first Premier
for themselves. missing only one League game after
League title in record-breaking fashion, and there was no making his debut on the opening day.
shortage of exciting new talent emerging in the top flight
41%
Of starters in Match
Managers throughout the League
put their faith in the abilities of gifted
young English players, who proved
A total of 62 homegrown players
made their Premier League debut – an
Hitting new peaks Round 31 were eligible
to play for England – a
they were good enough for regular
elite-level competition. Examples
increase of 51 per cent on the previous
campaign – demonstrating that
season-high – with the include Manchester United striker the long-term investment in youth
In the most unconventional of seasons, restart. Their 4-0 victory over Crystal average of 35.6% up Mason Greenwood (pictured), who through the Elite Player Performance
Liverpool were crowned Premier Palace was followed by Manchester from 30% in 2018/19 made his full debut in the final match Plan (EPPP) is reaping rewards.
League champions for the first time in City’s defeat to Chelsea meaning
emphatic style. that, with seven fixtures still to play,
Liverpool were the earliest Premier
Having pushed Manchester City so
close in 2018/19, Jürgen Klopp’s side
League champions in history.
Youngsters making their mark
began the campaign in the same “I have no words, it’s unbelievable,”
It was a breakthrough year for Premier League debuts as the Blues
99
imperious fashion they had finished said an emotional Klopp having
young players at Chelsea, with six pushed for UEFA Champions League
the previous one. By the time they led the Reds to their first title in 30
Academy products making their first- qualification. There was also top-
beat West Ham United in February years. “It’s much more than I ever
Liverpool achieved team debuts and two establishing flight experience in 2019/20 for Billy
to stretch their unbeaten start to 27 thought could be possible. Becoming
the second-highest themselves as familiar faces in Frank Gilmour, Tariq Lamptey, Armando
games and record their 18th straight champion with this club is absolutely
Premier League points Lampard’s side. Broja and Tino Anjorin.
win, they had taken a record 110 incredible.” Homegrown players
tally of all time points from their last 38 League Tammy Abraham, Fikayo
Tomori and Mason Mount Mason Mount and Reece James Chelsea head of youth development
matches, with 36 victories and two For captain Jordan Henderson, lifting
18
with Christian Pulisic became regulars following their Neil Bath said: “We restructured the
draws. the Premier League trophy fulfilled a
Academy in 2004, and several of the
lifelong ambition.
players now in the first team have
Liverpool equalled When the season was suspended
been on that journey for almost as
the record held by due to COVID-19 three weeks later, “Winning the Premier League has
long. When you see those players out
Chelsea, Manchester they were just two wins away from been a dream of mine since I was a
on the pitch at Stamford Bridge, it
City and Manchester ensuring the Premier League trophy kid,” he said. “It’s been an amazing
brings tremendous satisfaction.”
United for 18 wins at would head to Anfield and the title season and I am so thankful to be part
home during a season was sealed within two games of the of this club and team.”
Chelsea were also crowned
champions of Premier League 2
Division 1 on a points-per-game
basis, following the curtailment of the
season due to COVID-19.
VAR’s introduction
This season saw the use of Video Assistant Referees for the first time in
the Premier League.
Over the course of the campaign, more than 2,400 incidents were
checked and 109 decisions were overturned by the VAR, an average of an
overturned decision once every 3.5 matches.
The percentage of correct key match decisions rose from 82 per cent in
2018/19 to 94 per cent this season, with the average delay to games
caused by VAR at 50 seconds.
6 The Football 7
Premier League Manager of the Season
Season Awards Jürgen Klopp
Having led Liverpool to their first Premier League
Recognising the individuals whose outstanding title, Klopp has cemented his status as a club legend.
Under his stewardship, the Reds lost only one game
contributions during 2019/20 earned them our
before the season was suspended in March, and
seasonal honours Liverpool became champions quickly after the restart,
with a host of club records broken along the way.
They remained unbeaten in the League at Anfield for
a third consecutive season – the first time they have
achieved this in the club’s history.
Player of the Season Young Player
Playmaker of the Season
Kevin De Bruyne Trent Alexander-Arnold
De Bruyne’s stunning form for Manchester City One of six English players on the eight-man
earned him two Premier League Season Awards in shortlist for the inaugural TAG Heuer Young
2019/20, becoming EA SPORTS Player of the Season Player of the Season award, Alexander-Arnold
as well as winning the Cadbury Playmaker honour was integral in Liverpool becoming champions
for the second time in three years. With 20 assists, he for the first time in 30 years. Part of the League’s
equalled Thierry Henry’s record from 2002/03, and also tightest defence, he earned 12 clean sheets, but
delivered his best goal return in a Manchester City was equally impressive as an attacking force,
shirt, netting 13 times in the League. providing 13 assists and scoring four times.
Golden Boot Golden Glove PL2 Player of the Season Goal of the Season
Jamie Vardy Ederson Curtis Jones Son Heung-Min
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy won his first Cadbury Golden A clean sheet against Norwich City on the final It was a dream breakthrough campaign for Jones, A prolific scorer for Tottenham Hotspur, Son has
Boot award after scoring 23 goals in a fantastic season day of the 2019/20 season saw Manchester City’s who won a Premier League winner’s medal and netted his fair share of eye-catching strikes as he has
that also saw him surpass 100 Premier League goals. At 33, Ederson win the Cadbury Golden Glove award. He played a starring role at Under-23 level. He made hit double figures in each of the last four seasons. His
Vardy is the oldest player to win the accolade. He ended recorded his 16th clean sheet of the campaign in his six League appearances for Jürgen Klopp’s side, solo effort against Burnley in December was nothing
the campaign a goal ahead of Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick side’s 5-0 win over Norwich City, to move one ahead scoring once, and netted nine goals in Premier short of world class, topping off a skilful run from deep
Aubameyang and Southampton striker Danny Ings. of Burnley’s Nick Pope. League 2 Division 1. inside his own half with the coolest of finishes.
Taking the next Helping players achieve full potential
step forward
Brighton & Hove Albion’s head of training framework that has seen
Academy coaching Ian Buckman Academy products such as the
fully endorses the commitment of 2018/19 Premier League 2 Player
the Premier League and our clubs of the Season Aaron Connolly and
How we are developing the playing stars of tomorrow and to create outstanding coaches and Steven Alzate thrive.
players.
helping a new generation of coaches to break through “We really focus on each coach’s
The 44-year-old (below) has come technical knowledge and area of
through both the Elite Coach interest and see how we can apply
Apprenticeship Scheme (ECAS) that to training,” Buckman said.
“Our number-one goal is to develop Arsenal have also launched the Arsenal and the Elite Heads of Coaching
good people first who just happen Academy Island which aims to ‘Build (EHOC) programme, which focus on “Aaron and Steven are just two of
to be talented at football,” says Ryan Strong Young Gunners’, offering mental strengthening each coach’s skill-set. the players that have progressed
Garry (left), the Under-23s assistant health support, advice and structure to and that is ultimately our biggest
coach at Arsenal. all Academy players. Buckman has particularly benefited goal – to improve technical and
from the EHOC programme and physical performance, and the
A product of the Elite Coach The hard work of Ryan and his fellow has helped devise a fantastic holistic development of our players.”
Apprenticeship Scheme (ECAS), he Academy coaches has brought
believes the club’s holistic approach to significant rewards for Arsenal recently.
creating the Premier League stars of Homegrown talents such as Bukayo
tomorrow is reaping rewards. Saka, Joe Willock, Reiss Nelson, Ainsley
Maitland-Niles and Eddie Nketiah
The club’s Academy Leadership Group have emerged from the Academy to
sees one player from each age group feature in the first team.
voted into a forum where they will
discuss and work together with the “I see my role as helping the boys
coaches to help improve their learning take the next jump into the Premier
at the club. This approach offers League,” Ryan said. “It is about
older players the chance to be preparing players who can survive
mentors to the younger members of and thrive in the hardest league in
the Academy. the world.”
Rising talents shine on Indian stage Pathway for BAME coaching hopefuls
Through the Academy programme, The event also included the renewal The Premier League, EFL and PFA Moore (left) said: “This is a critical
young players are involved in of the Premier League’s Mutual launched a new player-to-coach time for Black, Asian and Minority
international tournaments and Cooperation Agreement with the ISL, placement scheme aimed at Ethnic coaches. We all know and
festivals that enhance their knowledge which sees the two leagues continue increasing the number of Black, Asian agree that the diversity of coaches
of other cultures and styles of football. to work together to enhance coaching, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) players and managers must increase and
refereeing and football development transitioning into full-time coaching this placement scheme represents a
Under-14 players from Chelsea, in India. Arsenal and Leicester City, roles in the professional game. The positive step.”
Manchester United and Southampton meanwhile, hosted ISL coaches as part scheme provides up to six coaches
Southampton in action in the took part in the Next Generation of a week-long study placement early per season with a 23-month intensive The scheme has been developed over
Next Generation Mumbai Cup Mumbai Cup in February, taking on in Season 2019/20. They gave the work placement within EFL clubs. the last 18 months and complements
Under-15 Hero Indian Super League next generation of Indian coaches’ This is one example of how football is the existing programme within
(ISL) and local youth sides, Bengaluru valuable insight into Premier League creating opportunities and pathways the Premier League Elite Coach
FC, FC Goa and the Reliance Academy operations. within coaching. Apprenticeship Scheme, which
Watch our exclusive video
Foundation Young Champs academy, provides a bursary for BAME and
on the Next Generation in a week of football matches and Doncaster Rovers manager and female coaches to be placed within
Mumbai Cup here activities. Chelsea ran out Season Chair of the Premier League’s Black Premier League and Category One
2019/20 tournament winners. Participants’ Advisory Group Darren Academies each year.
10 The Football 11
Project Conor Coady “I was one of those players who
Restart Wolverhampton Wanderers captain couldn’t wait to be back training
and playing, and as a football club
we wanted to get going as soon as
possible, but we knew it was only
How the Premier League and our clubs worked possible by making everybody’s
together to resume Season 2019/20 safely health and safety the priority. As club
captain, I was updated on all the
latest developments, which was
really reassuring.
Safety first “We always felt that nothing was left
to chance, with all the hygiene and
Following the suspension of of everyone, and the safety of social-distancing measures put in
Season 2019/20 on 13 March due players, coaches and club staff was place.
to the COVID-19 pandemic, the paramount in both the phased return
Premier League worked closely to training and the resumption of “Playing without fans in the stadium
with the Government, the whole matches. has been strange, but we knew that
of professional football in England, was the only way it could be, and
public agencies and other relevant Players and managers were we hope it won’t be too long until
stakeholders on Project Restart, consulted throughout and strict the supporters can be back cheering
with the aim of resuming the protocols were put in place to ensure Conor Cody’s temperature is checked as he arrives at the training ground us on.”
campaign when it was safe to do so. that both training grounds and
Throughout the crisis, the overriding stadiums were as safe as possible
priority was the health and wellbeing for everybody present.
Dr Zaf Iqbal the players was that it was not just
Crystal Palace Head of about their behaviour at training,
Sports Medicine it was also about making sure they
followed all the advice around social
“First and foremost, we reassured distancing and hygiene at all times.
Key dates players that their safety was
paramount. Looking at all the “Another big responsibility was
17 May measures put in place, I don’t think ensuring that all our processes were
Twice-weekly testing there were any environments that not a burden on the NHS and public
of players and were safer than a Premier League services in any way, and that was
staff at all 20 clubs training ground or stadium. the case with both training and the
commenced. matches themselves.”
“The step-by step process of the
19 May “We’re in the safest workplace in
Return To Training Protocol was
Stage One of the the country” – Andros Townsend
vital and only once the players felt
Return To Training
comfortable did we move onto
0.09%
Protocol permitted
Sean Dyche the next stage. There were lots of
small-group training
Burnley manager differences, such as the players
while maintaining
The percentage of arriving individually and already
social distancing.
“Once we returned, the scale of the “Then there was clearance to play positive results (20) dressed for training. They had
27 May measures put in place was evident. friendly games and that enabled from 22,133 COVID-19 temperature checks and a health
Stage Two allowed A lot of work went into this by our us to have a trial run of how the tests of players and questionnaire via an app, and they
a resumption of medical and operations team, who stadium was going to work on a coaching staff. As weren’t allowed into the training
contact training, were heavily guided by the Premier matchday. the biggest pool of ground until they had completed
while minimising any League. The end product was a collected data in those. Then it was all about the
unnecessary close process that was as safe as it possibly “We had to distance the dressing England, the Premier social distancing and making sure
contact. could be and quite simplistic in the rooms, the treatment areas and so League has shared everything was as clean as possible.
17 June way the players could follow it. on, and there was guidance given for this information with
Season 2019/20 on-field behaviour, so there was an Public Health England “The testing was important to prove
resumed behind “That allowed us to focus on getting awful lot of planning that went into as a key part of their that the protocols we had put in place
closed doors. match ready in a short space of time. making the stadium safe as well.” coronavirus research were effective. A key point to get into
12 The Football 13
“As we prepared for the return
to football behind closed doors
a key priority was ensuring our
fans continued to feel connected
and engaged with the club. This
allowed us to explore innovative
activations, including the Fan Wall,
to keep our supporters at the heart
of the matchday experience, letting
them know that their support
remained as important as ever.”
Nuria Tarre
Chief Marketing Officer,
Manchester City Football Club
Everyone’s
game
An open and inclusive atmosphere is integral to the
Premier League experience, and we worked alongside
clubs and partners to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic
14 The Fans 15
Opening doors
to all supporters
From cut-price children’s tickets to expanding disability
access and welcoming fans from the LGBT community,
our clubs are committed to inclusion at every level
Ben Chilwell and James
Maddison with members
of the Foxes Pride LGBT
Just the ticket Supporter Group
Karen and James Rainbow have
been taking their children Ossie and
it was free with an accompanying
adult, and an annual Junior Cherries
Pride of the Foxes
Daisy (pictured below) to watch AFC membership cost only £7.50.”
Bournemouth since 2013. The Premier League and our clubs “What we’re starting to see
Bournemouth’s ticket pricing policy work in partnership with Stonewall now - and Ben and James are
Despite the constraints of the limited was part of a clear strategy to on the Rainbow Laces campaign, examples of that - are players
capacity at Vitality Stadium, Karen engage and connect with young as we continue to celebrate LGBT starting to get involved,” said
feels the club does its best to welcome supporters. inclusion and make it clear that Graeme, who discussed the
£7
The average price
young fans to matches.
“The price they charge for the young
“The vast majority of our near 4,000
Junior Cherries members have now
football is for everyone.
Graeme Smith, co-founder of
importance of players being allies
to the LGBT community.“
paid by junior fans is brilliant,” she said. “It cost only watched a live Premier League match Leicester City’s LGBT supporter The club’s inclusive nature also
season-ticket holders £6 for a Junior Cherry aged eight or and, for a club which has community group, Foxes Pride, joined fellow extends to the pitch.
to watch Premier over to watch a Premier League game. at the heart of everything we do, co-founder Paul and member Mish
League matches that is something to be very proud at the King Power Stadium to discuss “I think if a team-mate were to
in 2019/20 “For Junior Cherries aged under seven, of,” said general manager Liz Finney. Watch our exclusive video on
the Rainbow Laces campaign with come out and say they were gay,
Leicester City’s Rainbow Laces first-team players Ben Chilwell and then nothing changes,”Maddison
campaign here James Maddison. said. “That’s how it is with us.”
Price of football study Access for all
The Premier League’s
Accessibility was a key factor in SpursAbility right from when these
comprehensive study of ticket
the construction of Tottenham facilities were first being designed,
prices during Season 2019/20, in
Hotspur’s new stadium, with the which shows how much it cares about
conjunction with EY, revealed:
club working with their Disabled meeting the needs of all fans.”
£32 Supporters Association throughout
The average ticket price across the process to ensure that inclusive The creation of the Sensory Suite,
the Premier League in 2019/20, provision was considered at a space specifically designed for
the same as 2017/18, with the every stage. fans with sensory requirements, has
majority of fans paying under £30. proved to be very popular. Changing
Jo McNicol, SpursAbility Places facilities can also be accessed
£16m Chairperson, said: “The stadium’s in different areas of the ground,
Total saved by season-ticket access facilities are amazing as well as through the Tottenham
holders thanks to deals and because they enable me and other Experience. The club has also
discounts from clubs. disabled supporters to enjoy the full created more than 250 wheelchair
matchday experience, just as any accessible bays and has more than
23% other fan would. 500 accessible seats which are
The percentage of away tickets located on all levels at the stadium, to
One of the accessible viewing
priced below the £30 cap, with platforms at the Tottenham “The club has maintained give supporters a greater variety of
some available for just £5. Hotspur Stadium a consistent dialogue with viewing options for matches.
16 The Fans 17
Different focus
In a season which attracted some of our biggest
live broadcast audiences of all time, the Premier
League worked with broadcast partners to bring
a number of enhancements for fans at home when
matches were staged behind closed doors
The final 92 matches of Season To enhance the behind-closed-doors
2019/20 were missing one of the experience for fans watching at home,
Premier League’s most recognisable the Premier League and broadcast
and important features: stadiums partners developed a series of
packed full of home and away innovations. This included:
supporters creating the atmosphere
for which the League is famed • Seat wraps to improve the visual
A cameraman taking around the world. and acoustic environment as well as
precautions and, below stadium dressing applied by clubs.
right, Norwich City
manager Daniel Farke
Playing games behind closed
doors was essential in order to • A crowd noise option for
UK broadcast facts and figures
giving a socially distanced
post-match interview complete the campaign and all fans, supplied by EA Sports
the fixtures following the restart Atmospheric Audio, was selected
were televised live in the UK by Sky by approximately 75 per cent of
The 2019/20 season accounted for
Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime and viewers.
six of Sky’s top-10 Premier League
the BBC.
audiences, three of which came
• ‘Fan walls’ featuring live footage BBC showed its first live Premier
before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sky Pick, Amazon Prime and BBC of supporters watching from League matches, with 4 games
Sport showed 33 fixtures free-to-air, home were made available to televised during June and
Following the resumption of the
with live commentary of every fixture broadcasters and for use on July. Two of them entered the
season, three matches broadcast by
available in the UK on BBC Radio 5 stadium big screens. top-five most watched Premier
Sky went straight into their top-10
Live and talkSPORT, ensuring as League matches ever:
highest Premier League audiences
many people as possible could • Use of music inside stadiums at key
ever, including their biggest of all time.
follow the action from the safety of trigger moments such as kick-off, 4.364m Southampton v
their own homes. Sky Sports and goals and substitutions. Manchester City on BBC1 drew
4.968m for the Merseyside derby, an
BT Sport also provided offers for the second-highest audience of
all-time record.
season-ticket holders who did • Tunnel cameras allowed fans to see all time for a Premier League live
not have an existing subscription. the immediate build-up to the match. match. The audience peaked at
5.9m viewers – the highest peak
BT Sport showed more Premier ever achieved for a live Premier
League matches in a season than League match in the UK.
ever before (52+12 additional fixtures
following the restart) and attracted 3.564m Bournemouth v Crystal
its fifth-highest audience ever, with Palace on BBC1 attracted the
1.554m watching Liverpool v Sheffield third-highest ever audience for
United in January. a Premier League live match.
Amazon Prime Video became the
880m
Premier League’s newest domestic
broadcast partner in 2019/20, showing
20 live matches during December.
The number of homes, The streaming service also carried
in 188 countries, where four fixtures free-to-air following the
the Premier League is restart.
broadcast
18 The Fans 19Global appeal
When it comes to engaging with fans from all over the
world, the Premier League continues to set a high bar
The popularity of Fantasy Premier Nigeria rose 57 per cent, while there
League (FPL) rose again, with a 20 per was an increase of 60 per cent in
cent increase in the number of players Kenya.
compared to Season 2018/19.
With two-thirds of FPL managers There was also a noticeable rise in
coming from overseas, the game’s female managers, with 24 per cent Premier experience in China
global reach continues to grow. more women and girls taking part
compared to the previous season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have it as well, as they staged a number
This year’s edition saw fans in
enjoyed their best-ever Premier of events to engage their growing
Egypt register almost 700,000 FPL managers in 2019/20 found an
League finishes over the past two number of fans in China.
teams, representing the most unlikely hero in Sheffield United’s John
seasons, which came either side
managers in a country Lundstram (left). Classified as a
of a triumphant performance in the “We did a fantastic job all week,” said
outside the UK and defender in the game
2019 Premier League Asia Trophy. head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. “It
nearly 10 per cent of but playing in midfield
was great to come to China and see
all participants, as the for the promoted
Wolves joined Manchester City, so many of our fans here.”
nation’s hero Mohamed side, Lundstram’s four
7.6m
Newcastle United and West Ham
Salah was joined by goals and five assists
United in the tournament, the During the tournament, the
compatriot Trézéguet in rewarded managers’ eye
second to be held in mainland China Premier League also reinforced its
A record number of the Premier League. The for a bargain as he finished
and the first to take place in two commitment to the development of
FPL registrations, up game also grew elsewhere the season as the fifth-highest
different cities, giving more fans the the game in China, with the winners
20% on 2018/19 in Africa, as numbers in points-scoring defender.
opportunity to enjoy the Premier of the Premier Skills Under-12 Cup
League experience. getting the opportunity to enjoy
unique experiences with Premier
Gamers take on ePL challenge After a 4-0 win over Newcastle in League sides. Other activities
Nanjing, Wolves faced Manchester included the Chinese Super League
City in Shanghai, the home of the (CSL) Under-15 Cup, a Youth
The second season of ePremier With the season suspended, the
club’s owners Fosun. A tightly-fought Conference open to coaches from
League saw thousands of participants ePL Invitational brought together
final at the Hongkou Stadium ended the Chinese FA and CSL and local
competing on behalf of all 20 clubs in Premier League players and some
in a penalty shootout victory for the teachers, all of which was preceded
an EA SPORTS FIFA 20 tournament. special guests in two instalments of a
Black Country club, who not only by training camps for CSL and
knockout FIFA 20 competition.
enjoyed success on the pitch but off Premier Skills coaches.
5
There was some thrilling action
throughout the early stages to decide Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Diogo
the players who would appear in the Jota was crowned the inaugural
Number of continents
the ePL Invitational
grand finals, before the COVID-19
pandemic led to the postponement of
champion, with Leicester City
midfielder James Maddison coming
Events bring US fans closer to action
was televised in the live event. out on top in the second tournament.
Austin, Texas and Miami, Florida were Premier League Mornings Live is part
the 2019/20 season destinations for of the League’s ongoing commitment
the Premier League Mornings Live fan to bringing unique experiences to
festivals. fans, with more than 30,000 people
in the United States having now
Channel proves a huge YouTube hit Run in partnership with NBC Sports, attended one of these festivals.
The Premier League’s official YouTube
channel launched at the start of the
Subscribers soon surpassed the
one million mark, delivering more
4
Of the 10 most
the live broadcast events bring fans
from all clubs together for the chance
to watch Premier League football
season with Rapman (left) paying than 110m views, with viewers able streamed Premier matches, meet legends of the game
tribute to some of the greatest to enjoy a host of unique content, League matches such as Ashley Cole, Tim Howard
players and moments from Premier including appearances from first- of all time in the (pictured) and Premier League record
League history in one of his trademark team players in the Uncut series, and U.S. took place in goalscorer Alan Shearer, and take
wrap-up videos. regular pub quizzes during lockdown. Season 2019/20 part in free family-friendly activities.
20 The Fans 21“This is the kitchen garden at the training centre where we grow fresh fruit and veg for the first-team restaurant. This food is being taken to our food distribution hub at the stadium so that it can reach those most in need within our community. I will be volunteering my time to help out in the garden and take this food to the stadium as we fight this pandemic together.” José Mourinho Head Coach, Tottenham Hotspur A force for good The importance of the League, clubs, players, managers and staff to their communities was evident throughout 2019/20, especially when they rose to the challenges posed throughout the pandemic 22 The Communities 23
Helping hand Game on for tackling isolation
in time of need The Palace for Life Foundation took
an innovative online approach to
help young people in South London
were spending most of their time
on their Xbox or PlayStation,”
said George Henry, Targeted
cope with social isolation during the Intervention Manager at Palace for
How Premier League clubs and players supported COVID-19 lockdown. Life Foundation. That was when we
their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic thought: ‘I wonder if that can help us
With social distancing in place and continue our work?’
Palace Pad Chat teams up
Premier League Kicks sessions unable
young gamers with a
Supporting local communities and Premier League players generated qualified mentor to run in their usual way, the Palace “We’re dealing with a lot more cases
the NHS was a priority for the Premier their own financial support for the Pad Chat was set up for anyone of kids feeling anxiety. It’s our job to
League, our clubs and players during NHS through the #PlayersTogether aged 12 to 25 who loves gaming and offer some support in terms of their
the COVID-19 pandemic. fund. The Premier League also wanted to discuss life in isolation mental health. We’re hoping that by
worked closely with Government online with a qualified mentor. offering them the chance to take on
Shortly after the season was departments and authorities to our team through gaming, we can
suspended, the League provided create and coordinate a series of “For the first couple of weeks we reach out to them using a channel
£20 million to support the health public health message campaigns were just checking in with our young that most of them will already be
service, communities, families and throughout the crisis. This included people and most of them said they familiar with.”
vulnerable groups during the crisis. videos featuring players from all 20
This included a financial contribution clubs to help communicate the latest
to NHS Charities Together, directed official guidelines.
towards mental health support for
NHS staff and their families, and
funds to enable clubs to refocus
The next four pages feature examples
of club and player support for the NHS
Free meals for vulnerable families
their delivery efforts and develop and communities as a snapshot of the
significant outreach programmes. incredible efforts across the League. Like many clubs during the purchase bulk supplies to support
pandemic, Manchester United and local food banks and food groups
Manchester United Foundation have who have seen an increase in
Saints deliver the right prescription been working to support families
in their local area requiring food
demand during the crisis.
donations. “It is a fundamental human right
Vulnerable members of the public Through their #SaintsAsOne to have access to food. Our aim
were given a helping hand by campaign, Saints Foundation joined Over 30,000 items of food and drink is to ensure we can provide a
Saints Foundation, the charity forces with Southampton City Council from the club’s stadium bars, kitchen decent meal for as many people
of Southampton FC, during the and Southampton City Clinical and hospitality areas were shared as possible, thereby giving them
COVID-19 crisis as staff helped deliver Commissioning Group (CCG) to help with local groups and charities, while some hope and motivation for
Manchester United donated
Watch our exclusive video on prescriptions to homes across the those who were self-isolating or thousands of food and drink Manchester United Foundation the future,” said John Shiels, Chief
Saints Foundation’s work here region. shielding during the pandemic. items to support families committed £100,000 of funding to Executive of Manchester United
Foundation.
After setting up a hotline so vulnerable
people could outline their needs, club As part of a fan-led campaign,
staff collected and delivered over 2,000 Manchester United also joined
medical prescriptions to local residents forces with Manchester City at
and remained in contact throughout the start of the pandemic to each
the entire COVID-19 lockdown, donate £50,000 to local food
ensuring anybody self-isolating could banks via the Trussell Trust.
regularly see a friendly face.
Marcus Rashford deservedly earned
Treve Sedgeman, 80, is one of many praise after he teamed up with
Southampton fans being supported charity FareShare to help raise
by the initiative: He said: “Saints £20 million, ensuring four million
Foundation bring my medication meals could be distributed to
every week or fortnight, and they vulnerable people. He later played
are absolutely brilliant. Words can’t a key role in ensuring free school
describe what they have done, they meal vouchers would be provided
Southampton FC staff helped deliver prescriptions to homes across the region are absolutely magnificent.” during the summer holidays.
24 The Communities 25Caring for the
health service
How our clubs went the extra mile to
support the NHS and its hard-working staff
Maternity care at Villa Park
The support of Aston Villa in providing Deputy Director of Midwifery Louise
a central hub for maternity care Wilde is an Aston Villa season-ticket
at Villa Park was welcomed by the
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS
holder and she was amazed at how
quickly the club offered their help.
Sanctuary for key workers
Watch our exclusive
video on the maternity Trust during the COVID-19 crisis and
hub at Villa Park here was just one of the ways in which the “They came back within about an Watford threw open the doors of “Watford General is only a few yards
club helped others. hour of me sending an email and Vicarage Road at the height of the away, but the environment is so
within two days we were up and pandemic to offer support to NHS different and really seems to lift the
running,” Louise said. workers from the neighbouring mood,” said Christine Allen, Chief
Watford General Hospital. Executive of the West Herts Hospital
Villa Park became a hub for midwives, NHS Trust.
hosting clinics offering both postnatal The stadium was re-named the
and antenatal appointments and ‘Sanctuary’ as it provided a safe “While our sole focus is our patients,
advice. Every day, between 25 and 30 environment for exhausted workers the ability to get away makes all the
women attended appointments at to recharge their batteries. More difference. The demands on staff,
the stadium as staff from the nearby than 1,000 NHS staff members were especially those caring for our sickest
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS fed each day, tens of thousands of patients, have been huge. Having
Trust offered their expertise in a safe pairs of surgical scrubs were washed a space to talk about the day or sit
and welcoming environment. by the club and the stadium’s suites and reflect after work can really help
and function rooms were used as staff manage their stress. This in turn
bedrooms and counselling rooms by helps them provide the best care for
Support and praise for NHS the hospital’s staff. patients.”
As the COVID-19 pandemic The club gave away 1,000 match
developed, Brighton & Hove Albion
were quick to reach out to the NHS as
tickets to hospital staff for when fans
are allowed back in stadiums. They
Help for staff on the front line
they provided a myriad of services to also brought out a new playing shirt
help combat the crisis. that praised NHS and key workers, London was the early epicentre of and those who live in sheltered
with profits from sales going to NHS the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. accommodation. Frank Lampard and
They set up the Albion As One fund charities. Chelsea quickly responded by offering his first-team squad also offered their
to raise money for local charities assistance to the NHS and charities help and made financial donations.
helping the homeless and elderly, and supporting elderly and vulnerable
the American Express Community groups. All Premier League players wore the
Stadium was transformed into a NHS logo on their shirts following the
drive-in COVID-19 testing centre. The club provided more than 115,000 restart. Blues midfielder Jorginho (left)
free meals to five nearby hospitals said: “All the healthcare professionals
The stadium was also made available and offered the Millennium and who are doing everything they
as a contingency field hospital for Copthorne hotels at Stamford Bridge can, they are the real heroes. They
Sussex NHS, the club’s Performance as accommodation for NHS staff. are there on the front line, making
Centre at Lancing was used to store sacrifices and putting their own life
equipment and medicine, and food In addition to this, Chelsea worked at risk to save the lives of others, shift
and drink was also donated to local with a wide range of charities that after shift. I believe they deserve all
NHS staff. support the elderly, the vulnerable the support in the world.”
26 The Communities 27The path to a
brighter future
From the classroom to the football pitch,
we are committed to providing positive
activities and pathways for young people Cressida Dick at the West
Ham United Foundation
Kicks session and, right,
Sadiq Khan speaking to
Helping children to shine
participants at a Palace for
Life Foundation event
Support to fulfil potential
The Premier League’s ongoing “I know from personal experience
commitment to Kicks was that sport can provide young people
demonstrated with the with life-changing opportunities and I
90
Professional football
announcement of a three-year
partnership with City Hall and the
Metropolitan Police to enhance
want all young Londoners to have the
chance to reach their full potential,”
Khan said.
17,900
clubs funded to deliver the delivery of the social inclusion
Premier League Kicks programme in London. Metropolitan Police Commissioner
Dame Cressida Dick, who visited a
Primary schools across London Mayor Sadiq Khan visited West Ham United Foundation Kicks
England and Wales both Palace for Life and Tottenham session in March, added: “Premier
engaged in Premier Hotspur Foundation sessions during League Kicks is bringing people
League Primary Stars the season to speak to young people together, giving people confidence and
Launched in 2016, Premier League White Woman Lane Junior School, Watch our exclusive videos
who are being encouraged to realise teaching them a healthy lifestyle. Most
Primary Stars (PLPS) aims to engage supported by the Norwich City on Palace for Life here
and Tottenham Hostpur their potential and improve their of all, they are just having fun together
and inspire primary school children Community Sports Foundation, who
Foundation here wellbeing through Kicks. and in a very safe environment.”
aged five to 11 across Maths, English, were creating their poem entries on
PE and PSHE, with a focus on areas ambition for this year’s PL Writing
like personal skills and wellbeing. Four Stars competition. He said: “This
years on, 110 professional football competition will help the kids and
clubs now deliver the programme in remind them that they should believe Kick-starting young lives
BBC Bitesize used local schools, while more than 46,000 in their dreams.”
Premier League teachers are registered to the free
“It’s given me a new lease of life,” said It was relaunched in October 2019,
Primary Stars online resource library. During the pandemic, the PLPS
Nick Phillips a former participant on with a new funding commitment from
resources during teacher-facing resources were
Manchester City’s Premier League the Premier League who, working with
the pandemic as Norwich City’s Tom Trybull (above) repurposed to provide free home-
Kicks programme, who is now a Kicks BBC Children in Need and 38 clubs, will
part of the ‘biggest saw first-hand the positive impact learning activities for families, to help
coach for City in the Community. “I am provide more targeted delivery and
push on education combining football and learning educate and entertain children who
a great example of what Kicks is. I get mentorship to support young people
in its history’ has on pupils, when he visited were unable to attend school.
to give back everything it has given at risk of or affected by violence.
me, so that’s huge.” In Nick’s coaching
role, he’s able to mentor and support
Inspiring youngsters to hit their goals local young people facing the same
issues he did.
This season saw the launch of Headteacher Mandi Collins was full Now in its 14th year, Kicks continues to
Premier League Inspires, a new of praise for Leicester City in the work in partnership with clubs, young
community programme run in Community Inspires Coach Kwesi people and stakeholders across
partnership with the PFA and Prince’s Darkwa Ampadu (left), who has been England and Wales to build stronger,
Trust. It supports 11-25-year-olds working with pupils at Thomas Estley safer and more inclusive communities.
through the education system and
early adulthood; helping them
develop personal skills and positive
Community College since January.
She said: “Some of our students who
were struggling are now absolutely
72,000+
Kicks participants in
The programme provides a range
of positive activities including free
football sessions and workshops to
behaviours. blooming!” Season 2019/20 young people in high-need areas.
28 The Communities 29Playing a
positive role
Our clubs are committed to providing positive
activities and new and improved facilities to
support individuals’ physical and mental health
A Game Changer for struggling men
“Newcastle United Foundation are Despite appearing happy to friends
doing such amazing work battling and family, Josh was struggling with
stigmas around mental health and I’m his mental health but now credits the
proud to be an active part of it, “ says Newcastle United Foundation with
Newcastle United fan Josh Banyard helping him turn his life around.
(left). He cannot praise Newcastle
United enough for the support he has
received after admitting he needed to
He regularly attends the Foundation’s
men’s support group, “Howay Inn”,
Sporting hubs success
seek help. and that allows him to share any
concerns over the way he is feeling. Thrilled youngsters enjoyed a Government – with additional support
The Newcastle United kickabout with Everton’s Tom Davies coming from Liverpool City Council
Foundation’s Be A Game Changer He said: “To find a group full of like- during a celebration to mark the first and the Rugby Football Union.
programme reaches out to men minded people has been amazing. It anniversary of four multi-million-
aged between 18 and 44 in a bid to has completely changed my outlook pound sporting hubs across Liverpool. “People in Liverpool are football-
get more men to talk about their on life and has quite simply rescued mad and to see such a wide range of
wellbeing. me from a dark place.” The Toffees midfielder was joined activity here at Jericho Lane is really
by other guests including Liverpool’s inspiring,” said Davies.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and former
Red Jamie Carragher for a tour of the “To have these facilities, you know
Support at hand to help students Trent Alexander-Arnold
state-of-the-art facilities at Jericho you’re playing every week and you
(above), Tom Davies (top) Lane playing fields, one of the sites know you’re getting a good pitch,
and Jamie Carragher developed as part of a £20.8m project whereas in the past you were not sure
Beth, a Year 11 pupil at West assisted by psychological wellbeing (below) at the Jericho Lane in the city. if your game would be on.”
Craven High School in Lancashire, practitioner Katy Westwell. sporting hub
is one of hundreds of young people
The hubs at Jericho Lane, Jeffrey Everton in the Community runs
being supported by Burnley FC in “We’ve worked together on
Humble, Heron Eccles and Simpson Soccer Schools at Jericho Lane and
the Community’s Schools’ Mental developing strategies which have
were part-funded by the Football Heron Eccles, as well as weekly
Wellbeing Project. It gives pupils helped me to attend school on a full-
Read more about the Football Foundation – a charity financed by Premier League Kicks sessions at
at seven secondary schools across time basis.”
Foundation’s investment into the Premier League, the FA and the Jeffrey Humble.
the region access to a full-time creating sporting hubs here
psychologist who can support As part of the Premier League’s
them with their mental support of this year’s Heads Up
health. campaign on mental health, Beth and
Katy were invited to London to share
“Had I not received the their story at an event with the Duke
help I needed I would of Cambridge.
not be able to stay in
lessons and some “I would definitely say to young
days would not
be able to attend
school at all,” said
people that, should they need to, have
the confidence to speak to an adult,”
says Beth. “Anxiety and depression
500,000+
visitors used
Beth who has been should not be seen as a weakness.” Liverpool’s new
sporting hubs in their
first year
30 The Communities 31“I’m extremely proud of what we have achieved in our first season back in the Premier League, both on and off the football pitch. We have played competitive, exciting football to entertain the fans, and have lots to build on as we head into the new campaign.” Stephen Bettis CEO, Sheffield United Premier League The Premier League’s commitment to equality and diversity runs through all we do, and our competition supports both economic and social growth 32 The Premier League 33
Tackling Setting the standard
discrimination Manchester United proudly
celebrated achieving the Advanced
Level of the Premier League Equality
panel consider evidence provided by
the club on equality and diversity across
all areas of their business, including
in football Standard this season, with an on-
pitch presentation at Old Trafford
marking the club’s commitment to
the work of their charitable arm, the
Manchester United Foundation. It takes
into account the culture and policies at
equality, diversity and inclusion. the club, as well as the development
The Premier League’s commitment to fighting of club services that will enable people
racism was evident throughout Season 2019/20, The accolade, which is the highest level from all communities to engage in
with our clubs once again demonstrating their a club can receive, sees an independent activities.
dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion
The #allredallequal campaign focuses
on the club’s commitment to the cause,
noting that ‘there’s no greater goal
The Premier League and its clubs will A Black Participants’ Advisory Group
than a more equal world’ – a message
not tolerate discrimination in any form. made up of current and former players,
which was amplified by the launch
This message has been clear during managers and others within the game
of their HATRED anti-discrimination
the season as the League, clubs and was set up to ensure the views of black
initiative late last season.
players have come together to tackle players and coaches are heard and
this issue. help shape the Premier League’s action.
Manchester United’s Group Managing
Regular meetings and consultations
Director Richard Arnold (far left)
The League undertakes wide-ranging take place to ensure issues are
said: “The journey does not stop here
action, working closely with Kick It discussed and dealt with.
for us. Through our #allredallequal
Out, as well as The FA, EFL, Stonewall
equality programme we will continue
and other organisations to tackle The Premier League launched a
to ensure that equality, diversity and
discrimination across all areas of dedicated reporting system for
inclusion are integral throughout the
football. players, managers, coaches and their
business and that Manchester United
family members who receive serious
remains as a club open to all.”
No Room For Racism discriminatory online abuse. Each case
is reviewed, reported to the relevant
In October, two match rounds were social media company, investigated
dedicated to promoting the No and, where appropriate, legal action is
Room For Racism message, taken. Black Lives Matter Working in partnership
emphasising that racist conduct
is not tolerated and urging supporters We continue to challenge major social Following the resumption of the Close work with our long-standing
to take action – ‘If you see it, report it’. media companies that fail to do enough season in June, the League supported partner Kick It Out continued,
All 20 clubs showed their support and to block offensive discriminatory the players’ wishes to have “Black including the provision of financial
Read more about the
No Room For Racism helped reinforce the Premier League’s material and identify and ban offenders Lives Matter” on their shirts for the support for their mentorship and
campaign here zero tolerance stance. from their platforms. remainder of 2019/20, as well as leadership programme Raise Your
backing players in ‘taking a knee’ Game. The League also funds specific
before or during matches. The League events such as Football Black List,
wholly agrees with the players’ which celebrates and highlights role
single objective of eradicating racial models from the black community
prejudice wherever it exists. working in football.
Increasing opportunities Education is vital and we run anti- The Black Lives Matter
badge was on every
discrimination education sessions player’s shirt following the
The Premier League joined with within our schools and community resumption of Season 2019/20
the PFA and EFL to launch a new programmes, as well as for fans.
coach placement scheme aimed at
increasing the number of Black, Asian The Premier League and clubs also
and Minority Ethnic (BAME) players continued to work in partnership
transitioning into full-time coaching with LGBT inclusion charity Stonewall
roles in the professional game (turn to support their Rainbow Laces
to page 11 for more details). campaign (more on page 17).
34 The Premier League 35You can also read
