Season Review 2020/21 Welcome The 2020/21 Premier League 10,000 fans were at the Etihad clubs have put into their additional funding to help clubs together with our partners, season was unpredictable and Stadium to watch Manchester Academies, is paying off. The survive. other sports and organisations competitive as the COVID-19 City being crowned worthy Premier League has become an Football brings together to stage a social media boycott, pandemic posed considerable champions. They produced an excellent mix of the best players communities from all highlighting the need for greater challenges, not only for football amazing run of 15 consecutive from around the world and backgrounds and it is this action against online hate. and wider sport, but society as League wins to transform quality homegrown talent. diversity that has made We look forward to the a whole. Despite everything, their season and to produce I was proud of the wide- the game stronger on the 2021/22 season with optimism. all our clubs produced an that level of consistency in a ranging work that clubs and pitch. The launch of our No Safety will, of course, continue entertaining and action-packed truncated campaign was hugely players continued to carry out Room For Racism Action Plan to be the most important factor, campaign. impressive. in their communities during the emphasises our commitment but I can’t wait for the vibrant There were difficult times, Across the season, we saw pandemic to ensure vulnerable to promote equality and atmosphere at matches that certainly during December nine clubs lead the table, more members of society were tackle discrimination to ensure only comes with full stadiums. and January when we had to than ever before, and there was cared for, along with continued diversity is reflected across the The Premier League will not fully postpone matches. The safety much to play for on a thrilling support for the NHS. game. be back until then. of everybody was the priority final day. To have three Premier The incredible efforts both Our fight against racism I hope you enjoy this review throughout the pandemic and League teams in the European on and off the pitch were and all forms of discrimination of a unique season as we reflect we adapted our protocols to finals, including an all-English all carried out despite the remains a priority. The online on the fantastic work of all our ensure we could complete the Champions League final, was significant financial impact of abuse we see players receive clubs. season as scheduled. This would fantastic. Congratulations to the pandemic. must stop and we will continue not have been possible without Chelsea for a deserved victory. Our clubs have lost to challenge social media the hard work of so many What was really pleasing was approximately £2 billion since companies on this issue. We people. that young English talent played March 2020, but we have support players, managers It was brilliant to see all clubs such a key role in the fortunes of ensured that our solidarity and their families through welcome supporters back for those teams. This shows how the payments to the whole of our proactive monitoring and Richard Masters the final two match rounds of Elite Player Performance Plan, football have been maintained, reporting systems and I was Chief Executive the season. I was delighted that and all the time and investment as well as contributing proud to see all clubs come Premier League
The Football No Room For Racism The Fans The Communities The Premier League
Gripping drama 06-07 Action against discrimination 14 Everyone’s game 18-19 A force for good 26-27 More than a game 34-35 Stories of the season 08-09 Tackling online hate 15 Safe return of fans 20-21 COVID-19 community support 28-29 Supporting the whole game 36-37 Developing talent 10-11 Creating positive change 16-17 Global broadcasting 22-23 Inspiring the next generation 30-31 Funding the future 38-39 Season awards 12-13 Digital fan engagement 24-25 Improving physical and mental health 32-33
2 Welcome 3 “We will always remember this season for the way that we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players. They are so special. To come through this season — with all the restrictions and difficulties we’ve faced — and show the consistency we have is remarkable.”
Pep Guardiola Manager, Manchester City
Exciting football
A season of competitive and enthralling action presented unparalleled challenges, as the Premier League and clubs demonstrated a commitment to excellence in playing, coaching and safety standards
4 5 Gripping drama in Competitive and captivating football The 2020/21 Premier League they achieved their highest points season will live long in the memory total (66) since winning the title in a unique campaign 153 for numerous reasons, with the 2015/2016 as they finished fifth for Away wins in 2020/21, competitiveness on the pitch evident the second season running. The Clubs contended with continuing COVID-19 challenges to bring the first time in as a record nine different teams Foxes also won the FA Cup for the action-packed entertainment to a truncated 2020/21 season history it was higher topped the table and a number of first time in their history. than home wins (144) clubs took significant strides. in the top four tiers of West Ham United remained in the English football While Leicester City just missed out running for a top-four spot until late in on a UEFA Champions League spot, the campaign, with a sixth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Europa League a considerable improvement having come 16th in 2019/20. Another club to have made significant strides is Aston Villa, who won seven more matches compared to the previous season.
Newly promoted Leeds United, back in the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, finished with 59 points, the best tally by a promoted club since 2000/01.
Needs subbing “A season and a title like no other” A triumph for homegrown talent
After Manchester City were crowned matches remaining. “At the start of For the second time in three seasons, as winning the club’s Player of the champions for the third time in the every season, the Premier League the UEFA Champions League final Year award. James also continued his last four years, Pep Guardiola is the most important title for us. was contested between two English impressive progress as he featured hailed this as their toughest teams, with young homegrown talent in 32 Premier League matches. All Premier League triumph so far. “This is the one where you have to playing a key role for both Manchester three have become regulars in Gareth be there every three days, playing City and Chelsea throughout the Southgate’s England squad and will With the ongoing COVID-19 all your rivals home and away. Only season. be hoping to reproduce their strong pandemic leading to a truncated by being the very best, week in week club form for the Three Lions at this season, there were unparalleled out, can you win this competition. Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Reece summer’s UEFA EURO 2020. pressures on every club. It is a huge success.” James are great examples of players who have come through their club’s More than a quarter of the players in Whereas both of City’s previous Although 10,000 fans were back at ranks and established a place in the matchday squads of the Premier Pep Guardiola won his third title-winning seasons under the Etihad Stadium to see the Trophy world-class squads since the launch League clubs taking part in the Premier League title as Guardiola had seen them set off at lift on the final day of the campaign, of the Premier League’s Elite Player 2020/21 UEFA competition finals were Manchester City manager a breathtaking pace, their start to the remainder of the League season Performance Plan (EPPP) 10 years English, with an average age of 24.8. 2020/21 was relatively slow. Lying 13th was played without Manchester City ago. The long-term strategy aims to in the table at one point in November, supporters in attendance due to develop more and better homegrown they recorded 15 straight Premier COVID-19 restrictions, and Guardiola players through the Academy system, League victories between December had special words for supporters. ensuring players have access to a and March to take control of the title varied games programme and regular 13 race and never looked back. “It is so important to say a huge 42.3% high-level competition. Manchester City thank you to all our fans,” he said. Of starters in Match set a new record “This has been a season and a “In our toughest moments, we Round 37 were eligible Foden netted 17 goals in all for consecutive Premier League title like no other. couldn’t hear the crowd get to play for England. competitions in 2020/21, while Mount Premier League This was the hardest one,” said behind us as usual, but we know The season average played more minutes and more away victories Guardiola after his 31st trophy as they are with us everywhere we of 38.2% was the matches than any other Chelsea Phil Foden and Reece James competing at a in a season a manager was sealed with three go and that has lifted us.” highest for 12 seasons player across all competitions, as well Premier League Under-14 tournament in 2013/14
6 The Football 7 Stories of the season Big breakthrough Aston Villa enjoyed a much-improved 2020/21 saw protocols enhanced and introduced, while second season back in the Premier clubs remained focused on developing young talent League, with the club also placing 25 their faith in a number of Academy Years and 250 days graduates. Pioneering protocols for player welfare was Aston Villa’s average starting Jacob Ramsey joined the Villans at XI age, the second Under-9s and had a campaign to The Premier League and its so we could complete Season youngest in the remember after making his Premier clubs continued to work closely 2020/21. League in 2020/21 League debut in September 2020. with Government, public health behind Fulham authorities and other relevant The Premier League’s robust “To make my first start and 21 stakeholders to implement COVID-19 COVID-19 testing programme appearances in the Premier League operational protocols and maintain provided an additional layer of at the age of 19 makes me very Two other young English players, the bio-secure environments safety and security for all players proud and I’m thankful to all the Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash, 0.31% created during last season’s and club staff throughout the 34% coaching staff for giving me the also impressed during their debut The percentage of Project Restart. campaign. Increase in minutes opportunities,” he said. Premier League campaigns after positive results (261) by under-23 players signing for the club. Watkins scored from 83,376 COVID-19 Strict health and safety measures When infection rates rose across across the League, The club also gave Premier League 14 goals in 37 League appearances tests of Premier remained in place to keep the country during December compared to the debuts to two more players from and made his senior England debut, League players and training grounds and stadiums and January, that was reflected five-season average their Academy: Jaden Philogene- while right-back Cash played 28 staff during 2020/21 as safe as possible for everybody with an increase in positive Bidace and Carney Chukwuemka. League matches. results at Premier League clubs. In response, the frequency of testing was increased and enhanced safety protocols were brought Leading the way on Academy issues in. These were designed to limit infections at clubs, with stricter The Players’ Leadership Group was tackle the issue of discrimination and rules on hygiene at training launched by the Arsenal Academy four came up with objectives to work on grounds, travel and stadiums seasons ago as a way of engaging together. This included creating a young that went beyond those Under-9 to Under-23 players on key person-led protocol for responding previously in place. issues and to ensure the voices of young to incidents of abuse when they people were heard. happen on the pitch, as well as a video This resulted in the figures explaining the need for the protocol. reducing significantly in a short Each season, a new set of players is space of time, keeping everybody elected to the group, voted in by their In spite of the pandemic, four of safe and allowing the campaign peers and staff. Empowered to share the young leaders developed and to be completed on schedule. their views and opinions, the group presented their protocol to the club’s helps to create a more collaborative Academy Management Team before and youth-led approach to a player’s sharing the idea with the Premier time in the Academy. League and The FA. The League Concussion subs and heading studies has since adapted the group’s During 2020/21, the group decided to idea and created a protocol for all A permanent concussion training at professional level which Academy football, aimed at tackling substitution trial was introduced in are expected to be implemented discrimination and using a young the Premier League in February 2021 ahead of the 2021/22 season. person-led approach. as part of IFAB’s global trial. Teams were able to make a maximum of The Premier League also joined the Arsenal’s safeguarding coordinator two concussion substitutes, with Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United for men’s football Alex Hepton said: the opposition able to use the Against Dementia campaign to “One of our beliefs at Arsenal is that equivalent number. help build awareness of dementia in better people create better players. our communities. This builds on the By helping our young people to The League also began two studies existing work carried out by clubs develop the skills to communicate to identify the forces involved in to increase support for fans and their thoughts, feelings and beliefs heading footballs. The studies will communities and ensure those who we are supporting them to succeed in inform guidelines for heading in need it can access dementia support. football and in life.”
8 The Football 9 Developing talent Encouraging diversity in coaching The Professional Player to Coach coaches per season start a 23-month Our commitment to producing the next generation Scheme was launched in 2020, work placement at an EFL club. One aimed at increasing the number of the first year’s intake was former of stars is being delivered through high-standard of Black, Asian and minority ethnic Aston Villa player Jon-Paul Pittman learning opportunities for players and coaches players who transition into full-time who is on a placement with Exeter coaching roles in the professional City’s Academy coaching team. game. “This scheme will make huge strides Helping players take the next step Run in partnership between the in opening doors and breaking Premier League, EFL and PFA Charity, down barriers,” Pittman said soon Joel Bonner joined the Liverpool the programme sees up to six after starting the scheme. Academy at the age of 12 and spent four years with the club before he was released aged 15. A supportive environment to learn “It’s a really tough experience when any player is told they’re getting Neil Ryan is in his 18th year as an League’s Elite Coach Apprenticeship released,” explained Joel. Academy coach at Manchester Scheme (ECAS) in 2014/15. “The club United and says the club’s has always been a fantastic place “There’s a lot of support there and commitment to developing coaches for coaches to develop and learn,” he there’s a strategy in place for each equals its proud heritage of reveals. “I’ve had great coaches and Each Premier player when they do get released. producing homegrown players. mentors to learn from and I’ve had League Category So, I went to Loughborough nothing but support in my desire to One Club Academy University and studied Sport and The Under-18s manager has coached become a better coach. has full-time Exercise Psychology.” every age group from Under-11s to Education and Under-19s, working with the likes of “When I have asked for help to improve, Player Care Now an Under-15s & 16s analyst and Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood such as joining ECAS, they have fully staff to support coach at the club he represented, and Scott McTominay along the way. backed me. The programme opened my the academic Bonner is thankful for the support eyes and it was fascinating to learn how and personal he received from his time in the Neil explains how the club places I could improve in terms of management, development of youth set-up. so education and schooling great importance on investing in building relations, presentations and so players. This is in doesn’t get neglected. its coaches. This included him being forth. I still apply the skillsets I learned addition to full-time “Looking at the Academy system supported through the Premier on a regular basis to this day.” safeguarding as a whole, there’s definitely “The support you get, just to know and psychology an emphasis on developing the you’re not on your own in terms of provision. person and making sure that the next steps you’re going to take, you’ve got that back-up plan, is really important.” Making a difference every day
As assistant Under-18s coach at still really strong. Tyrick Mitchell this Crystal Palace, it’s Darren Powell’s season has shown what can be done. Evaluating the Academy experience job to not only deliver training With us, if you’re good enough, if the sessions to young players, but talent’s there and you work hard, A survey conducted during Season The Elite Player Performance Plan, also prepare them for life beyond then the opportunity is there for you.” 2020/21 found that parents launched in 2012, enables clubs to the youth teams and hopefully a of players at Premier League develop both the player and the pathway to the first team. Powell came through the Premier Academies believe clubs provide person, by providing a wide range of League’s Elite Coach Apprenticeship a positive experience with strong educational and welfare activities It is nearly 20 years since Powell was Scheme as part of the Black, Asian practices in place to support players’ designed to enhance learning as well a Premier League regular for the and Minority Ethnic and female coach holistic development. as provide life skills. club, which has always had a good initiative, and says it has given him Crystal Palace’s track record of developing talented the tools to really make a difference. An independent study by Sparkler, The effectiveness of this off-pitch Under-23s won homegrown players. which surveyed parents of Premier activity was underlined by the promotion to Premier “Knowledge isn’t enough, it’s about 93% League club Academy players aged fact that 91 per cent of parents League 2 Division 1 in “Even in my time as a player here, how you deliver it,” he says. “The Of parents believe between eight and 17, found 93 per surveyed believed clubs cared their first season there was a conveyor belt of players programme was massive for me. It’s the overall Academy cent of respondents said the overall about their child’s development as a Category coming through,” he says. “That ethos helped me focus on what we can really experience is positive Academy experience was positive. beyond football. One Academy of developing homegrown players is do to enhance players’ performance.”
10 The Football 11 Premier League ????????
Permanent concussion substitution heading in training at professional Season Awards trials were introduced in the Premier and adult football levels which are League and across English football expected to be implemented ahead Recognising the individuals whose outstanding in February. of the 2021/22 season contributions during 2020/21 earned them our With player welfare the priority, The Premier League also joined the seasonal honours Golden Glovethe protocols allow teams to makeManager Alzhiemer’s of Society’s the SportSeason Against Ederson a maximum of two concussion Dementia board, working alongside substitutes, with the oppositionPep side Guardiola other sports and broadcasters to Manchester City goalkeeperable Ederson to use retainedthe equivalent number. build awareness of dementia in the Coca-Cola Golden Glove award in 2020/21 Pep Guardiolaour communities. was named the This Barclays builds on Premier the after keeping more clean sheetsIn March, than the any League other began twoLeague Managerexisting of work the carriedSeason outafter by leading clubs stopperCaption in the League. Thestudies Brazilian to recordedidentify the forces Manchesterto Cityincrease to a thirdsupport title for in fansfour years.and 19 shut-outs in 36 games, improvinginvolved in on heading his footballs, Underwith his tutelage,communities City and set aensure top-flight millions record winning tally of 16 the previousthe aim season. of making the game asby registeringmore 13 consecutive people access away dementia wins and safe as possible for all players.also The picked support. up a fourth successive Carabao Cup. studies will inform guidelines for
Player of the Season Young Player Ruben Dias of the Season Manchester City’s Ruben Dias was crowned the EA Sports Player of the Season following a Phil Foden dream debut campaign in English football. The Portuguese centre-back, who made 32 Midfielder Phil Foden’s standout performances Premier League appearances, was a key part for Manchester City have been rewarded with of the watertight defence that conceded the Young Player of the Season prize. The the fewest top-flight goals as the Citizens 21-year-old, who made his senior England debut marched towards the title. The 24-year-old last September, contributed nine goals and five also added the Carabao Cup and Football assists as his team stormed to the League title. Writers’ Association trophies to his collection, becoming the first defender to win the latter since Steve Nicol in 1989.
Golden Boot & Playmaker of the Season
Harry Kane
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane ended the 2020/21 campaign with two prizes – the Coca-Cola Golden Boot and Playmaker PL2 Player of the Season Goal of the Season awards – after recording 23 goals and 14 assists for the season. The England captain Liam Delap Erik Lamela scored one and assisted another as Spurs beat Leicester City on the final day of the season, Liam Delap won the Premier League 2 Player of Erik Lamela’s magnificent ‘rabona’ finish against sealing his place at the top of both lists in fitting the Season award after helping fire Manchester Arsenal was voted the Budweiser Goal of the fashion. He is only the second player to have City Under-23s to the title. The 18-year-old Season. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder finished with both the outright most scored the most goals (24) in one season by a swung his left foot around his right and shot goals and assists in the competition after player in the competition’s history. through the legs of Thomas Partey to score in Andy Cole in 1993/94. the north London derby at Emirates Stadium. Ongoing action Reporting online hate The Premier League legal team against discrimination undertook a detailed investigation to successfully identify and locate the offender, before The Premier League and our clubs are committed working with Neal, the club and to eradicating prejudice and continue to promote local authorities to pursue legal equality and diversity in all we do action.
This resulted in a man in Singapore, Derek Ng De Ren, being prosecuted The commitment of the Premier and convicted of crimes relating to League and our clubs to promoting harassment. equality, diversity and inclusion was more evident than ever this season, Neal said: “I would like to thank as we collectively demonstrated the Addressing the issue of online the club and Premier League for importance of tackling all forms discriminatory abuse is a priority for the support they showed me in this of discrimination. the Premier League and our clubs. matter, and the professionalism in dealing with it; as well as the police The announcement of the League’s Following the launch of the and courts in Singapore. No Room For Racism Action Plan League’s dedicated reporting in February outlined a series of system for players, managers, “The vile and toxic abuse of commitments aimed at creating coaches and their family members which I was on the receiving end greater access to opportunities in June 2020, one player to have is a daily occurrence for many and career progression for Black, utilised it is Brighton & Hove Albion professional athletes and public Asian and minority ethnic groups striker Neal Maupay. figures, and I hope this goes in football, along with actions to some way to showing those online eradicate racial prejudice. These build The Frenchman used the system trolls that it is totally unacceptable on the existing year-round action to report the threatening and and that the authorities are taken by the League and clubs. abusive messages he received on prepared to take the necessary who took a knee at fixtures and Instagram. action.” Players and match officials once there were more dedicated match again wore the No Room For rounds than ever to the No Room Racism sleeve badge on their shirts For Racism initiative, during which throughout the season. The League fans were urged to challenge and also continued to support players report racism. Worldwide social media boycott The No Room For Racism Action Plan is Academies and in their future careers, underpinned by the following six commitments: whether in football or elsewhere, regardless The Premier League, our clubs and This includes putting stronger of ethnicity or background. partners joined forces with the preventative and take-down • Increasing diversity in leadership positions in entirety of English football – as well measures in place to stop abuse • Using the appeal and reach of the League as other sports and organisations being seen or sent, protecting users all areas, creating a workforce which reflects and clubs, working together to help children across the UK and globally – for a by implementing effective verification the diversity of our industry and communities. and young people reach their potential social media boycott. and ensuring real-life sanctions for • Increasing the representation of coaches by promoting aspiration, education and online discriminatory abuse. This was in response to the ongoing from Black, Asian and minority ethnic pathways to opportunities. and sustained discriminatory online The boycott came after English backgrounds, addressing the historic • Continuing to take action against all forms abuse received by players and football wrote an open letter to under-representation of Black former of racism so that football is a welcoming and many others connected to football. Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter, players in coaching and other technical safe environment for all participants and fans. The boycott took place over an and Mark Zuckerberg, the founder, roles at senior levels in football. 1.7bn entire match round, from Friday Chairman and CEO of Facebook, • Providing clubs with a clear framework for Combined following 30 April to Monday 3 May 2021, calling for an end to racist abuse • Ensuring every player has the opportunity achieving and reporting progress against of the accounts that and sought to put further pressure on their platforms. We will continue to achieve their potential at Premier League agreed equality, diversity and inclusion targets. joined the social on social media companies and to apply pressure until significant media boycott demand change on their platforms. changes are made.
14 No Room For Racism 15 Creating positive Committed to an all-inclusive cause The Premier League Equality, the club’s commitment to being a Diversity and Inclusion Standard welcoming and safe space for all. change together (PLEDIS) has had a hugely positive impact since its inception in 2015, PLEDIS aims to educate and Clubs and players continue to play a vital role and West Ham United’s commitment encourage all 20 Premier League in challenging discriminatory behaviour and to the scheme was rewarded during clubs, including their charitable Season 2020/21. foundations and all aspects of their creating an inclusive football environment businesses, to develop and evolve The Hammers were granted the into working environments that ‘Advanced Level’ status by an champion mental wellbeing, positive Players supported the Premier others who face discrimination. independent panel, underlining change and a culture of diversity. League’s ongoing action against Mitchell says the threat of online racism this season by sharing their abuse is one players have become West Ham United Vice-Chairman own experiences of discrimination accustomed to. “In the back of my Karren Brady was delighted the to help raise awareness of the mind I’m kind of prepared for it if it club’s work has been recognised issue. Some of these stories have happens,” he said. “I shouldn’t have and emphasised the importance of been added to the educational to think it might happen at some increasing this over coming seasons. resources available to more than point. I should never have that 18,000 primary schools through feeling, but that’s how it is now.” Brady said: “We commit to the Premier League Primary Stars continue listening to staff, fans and programme. In response, Ward said: “You should the industry, always reflecting on never have to think, ‘Oh I’m going our approach to equality, diversity Crystal Palace players Tyrick Mitchell to prepare myself for this,’ because and inclusion, and going further (left) and Joel Ward were joined it shouldn’t be happening. I hope if than we already do.” by women’s player Leigh Nicol as Tyrick ever did experience it, we can they discussed the importance of have a conversation because we’re allyship and showing support for all in it together.” Network of support for fans
Rainbow Blades played a crucial role groups have been going for five years in ensuring fans kept connected to and some, like ourselves, are just In Season 2020/21 Chelsea say No To Hate events at Bramall Lane – and beyond coming up to their first birthday. the Premier League – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chelsea launched their No To Hate go from there. I think more people reinforced its “There are over 50 LGBT+ and allies campaign following the discriminatory are getting racist abuse and it only commitment to IHRA Rainbow Blades is the first official supporters groups up and down the abuse of several of their players online. makes sense to put a stop to it.” promoting equality This season the LGBT+ supporters group at Sheffield country and every one stands for the The initiative has five focus areas: and diversity by Premier League United and held pre-match online same thing: football for everyone. Education, Social Media, Support, In May 2021, Chelsea released their agreeing a new adopted the social events so fans could still feel So why shouldn’t we be working Awareness and Opportunity, all of own social media policy as a guide two-year strategic International involved with the Blades’ season. together? It makes complete sense.” which complement the club’s support for fans on engaging with the club, partnership with Holocaust They also connected with LGBT+ of the Premier League’s No Room For players, staff and other fans online. Stonewall. The Remembrance football supporters groups from Racism Action Plan. League and our Alliance’s working other Premier League clubs, including It details the action the club will take, clubs have worked definition of West Ham United’s Pride of Irons, No To Hate builds upon the work the and asks fans to take, should they alongside the LGBT+ antisemitism, helping to improve and increase a club already undertakes to tackle see online discriminatory abuse. charity since 2017 enabling the sense of inclusivity and community antisemitism and all other forms of Through this policy, Chelsea aim to and a key focus League to deal with fans across the country. more effectively discrimination, and has been driven create a social media experience for the future will by owner Roman Abramovich. that is positive, inclusive, safe and as be education and with antisemitic “The socials remain a real highlight healthy as can be. encouraging LGBT+ behaviour directed for Rainbow Blades and one of our Chelsea defender Reece James, who acceptance. at clubs or personnel. big success stories from our first year,” experienced online discriminatory said the group’s founder James Laley. abuse, said: “I think social media platforms can do more. When “They give us an opportunity to anything happens, they should be talk about our journeys and share able to help track the person and what has and has not worked. Some
16 No Room For Racism 17 “It has been a year like no other and a season lost to fans. A season in which the joy and camaraderie of matchday has been replaced by silence and empty seats. The three games in the season where we were able to welcome a limited number of supporters into Goodison Park were very special – and somewhat emotional. Like all Evertonians, I am counting down the days for the return of fans in substantial numbers.”
Denise Barrett-Baxendale Everton CEO
Everyone’s game
A season largely without fans was unlike any other, but ensuring supporters around the world remained connected with the Premier League and clubs was of paramount importance
18 The Fans 19 Safe return Maintaining a special connection Liverpool Disabled Supporters “It was fantastic to be back. To Association (LDSA) Chairman Tommy get a ticket for the Palace game of supporters Hutchinson has praised the club for I felt absolutely blessed,” he said. the work it carried out ahead of fans “The feedback we’ve had from As Season 2020/21 reached its climax and lockdown returning for the final game of the our members who went has been restrictions eased, overjoyed fans were able to season and their support throughout tremendous. We had to make sure it the pandemic. was absolutely safe, and everything return to stadia and watch their teams in action we asked of the club, they did for us. Tommy was back at Anfield to see the Tommy Hutchinson and Rachel Ellis at the final Reds seal a UEFA Champions League “The club has been in contact with Fantastic to be part of the atmosphere Liverpool game of the season spot with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. us the whole time during lockdown. They’ve been great, sending us questionnaires to send out to Richard Beech has been a The club kept fans informed of news members and keeping in contact with season-ticket holder at Leeds relating to their return throughout our secretary, asking how everyone’s United for 35 years and was one the pandemic, something Richard been getting on.” of a lucky number of fans to secure believes was important. tickets in the club’s ballot to attend LDSA Secretary Ted Morris added: “To their final home game of the season “The people who are running the many disabled supporters, Liverpool against West Bromwich Albion. club are very proactive in the way Football Club is their entire world that they communicate. I think so the fact the club engaged with “Me and my wife have been going Mr Radrizzani is absolutely superb.” us was vital for their mental health. together for about 25 years and now From day one, they engaged with the both my children are season-ticket Having watched the majority of his LDSA to facilitate this and we are very holders,” said Richard. “For us all to side’s first season back in the Premier grateful.” Richard Beech and his be part of an atmosphere again was League from home, Richard is looking family at Elland Road fantastic.” forward to being part of larger crowds at Elland Road next term. Turf Moor fans show their support “Marcelo Bielsa’s football is unbelievable to watch. I just can’t Burnley gave 3,500 fans free ballot were then encouraged wait for 40,000 people to be in that admission to the club’s last home to make a donation to the NHS football ground because even our match of the season – and helped following its extraordinary efforts players, the ones who have joined out the NHS – as a thank you for throughout the pandemic. this year, won’t have seen that and their ongoing support during the it’s a great place to be.” COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Alan Pace said: “This fixture is an opportunity to reward Ten thousand supporters who our loyal season-ticket holders who retained their season tickets for have shown incredible support to Fans at the heart 2020/21, and had renewed for the club throughout the pandemic. 2021/22, were eligible to enter a ballot for a free ticket to watch the “If supporters are able to, the club is While the pandemic meant fans were “We are a community club and it’s a Liverpool fixture on 19 May. encouraging successful applications unable to support Brighton & Hove small but practical thing we can do in the ballot to consider making a Albion in person for the majority of to support people who mean a lot to Fans who were successful in the donation to the NHS charities.” 2020/21, they remained connected us and who have been there for the with the club through Fans Forums. club over many years,” said Barber.
Over the course of the season the club Regular email communication held five of these virtual sessions with and phone calls of support for Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive vulnerable and elderly fans Paul Barber, and further Q&A sessions continued this season and the 92% with other senior staff members. These club’s commitment to its supporters Of Brighton covered issues that directly impacted was demonstrated in its flexibility season-ticket holders supporters, including plans for fans’ around season-ticket renewals have renewed for return and season-ticket renewals, as and rollovers for the Seagulls’ next Season 2021/22 well as wider football issues. Premier League campaign.
20 The Fans Burnley fans cheer on the team at their final home match A record-breaking Interacting with a global audience
The Premier League worked in and Indian Super League’s season conjunction with its international (ISL) continued commitment to broadcast partners throughout developing football in the country. The Premier League’s UK broadcast partners brought more football Season 2020/21 to develop to the public than ever before in a campaign like no other innovative ways of engaging Newcastle United icons Alan Shearer supporters around the world. and Steven Taylor took part in a special show which was produced by Former Premier League players PLP for broadcast across Star Sports’ For the first time in Premier League needed entertainment for millions Michael Owen and Richard Dunne network the day before the ISL final. history, all 380 matches during of football fans around the country. were the stars of a pre-match show The show offered a new opportunity 40% one season were broadcast live for Chinese partner Tencent ahead for ISL fans to engage with the Premier Of the UK population in the UK. Matches were shown live by Sky of the fixture between Manchester League, as the former Magpies players (26.8m people) Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime City and Leeds United in April 2021, selected some of their favourite watched live With the pandemic resulting in Video and BBC Sport, with record interacting live with Tencent’s studio moments of the season. Premier League two further national lockdowns, viewing figures and almost one guests in Beijing as well as answering coverage in 2020/21 the frequency of live football billion viewer hours across live and questions submitted by fans. The Premier League’s ambassador broadcasts, including free-to-air highlights programming during the for India, Ranveer Singh, was the matches, was a source of much- season. Linking up with India face of Star Sports’ ‘Sunday Night Football’ campaign, promoting In India, Star Sports was involved some of the biggest Premier League in bespoke programming tied to fixtures of the season which took the 2021 Next Gen event, which place in prime viewing slots on underlined the Premier League Sunday evening in the country.
Breakfast in Bed for US fans
While fans in Asia watch Premier To thank dedicated fans for their League matches at night-time, commitment, the Premier League US-based supporters often get up distributed an exclusive ‘Breakfast in the early hours to tune in to live in Bed’ kit including a Premier fixtures broadcast by NBC Sports. League-branded dressing gown, Sky Sports showed a record 234 breakfast tray and mug so they matches and achieved two of its BT Sport showed a record 108 could enjoy a #MyPLMorning top 10 most-viewed Premier League matches and achieved its three breakfast while watching matches. 50 audiences – 4.496m for Liverpool v highest Premier League audiences. Manchester United and 3.386m for Matches drew In November, 1,000 lucky Stateside Liverpool v Manchester City. The More people watched Premier audiences of over fans were served up tasty former was Sky’s second highest League coverage on BT Sport than 2m, beating the Thanksgiving treats as a show of Premier League audience of all ever before and a record 24 matches previous record gratitude for their support. of 43 in 2019/20 time and the highest ever on its Sky drew over 1m viewers, compared Sports pay channels. A record 42 Sky with the previous high of 15 in matches drew audiences of over 2m. Season 2018/19. Protecting the game from piracy
Thanks to its comprehensive anti- partners, as well as the future 8 Amazon Prime Video showed more BBC showed eight live matches, piracy programme, the Premier health of English football. The Of the top 10 matches in a season than ever before with almost 60 per cent of the UK League was able to shut down League continues to fight against most-watched in 2020/21, streaming 30 Premier population watching either their the world’s largest infringing piracy of its content, working Premier League League matches. An estimated live or Match of the Day highlights streaming app Mobdro. with broadcast partners and matches of all audience of more than 3m viewers coverage. 190 authorities to bring down illegal time have taken tuned in to the fixture between UN member states The protection of copyright is streams and investigate and place since the Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in which the Premier hugely important to the Premier prosecute suppliers of illegal start of 2019/20 in December. League is broadcast League and our broadcast streaming devices.
22 The Fans 23 Bringing fans into the action Exciting opportunities to interact with the Premier League helped engage our global audience Hall of Fame honours our legends ePL enthrals competitive gamers Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry across 14 Premier League seasons, became the inaugural inductees said: “When you look at some of the The third season of ePremier by 21 of the League’s international of the official Premier League Hall unbelievable players to have graced League (ePL) attracted thousands licensees. Fans could also watch on of Fame, which was launched the Premier League – week in, week of EA SPORTS FIFA 21 players, with the Premier League’s digital channels. to recognise and celebrate the out, year in, year out – I feel very Manchester City’s Shaun ‘Shellzz’ exceptional skill and talent of honoured to join the Hall of Fame.” Springette sealing a memorable individuals who have played in the Success in China triumph in a thrilling climax to the League since its inception in 1992. Four-time Golden Boot winner and tournament. The first international ePL event took For more information visit Arsenal’s record goalscorer Henry place in May, with ePremier League premierleague.com/ Shearer, the League’s all-time top said: “If you asked me at the start of halloffame Having narrowly missed out on the China – in association with our scorer having netted 260 goals my career about entering the Hall of live finals in 2018/19, before reaching broadcast partner Tencent Sports and Fame, I wouldn’t have believed you. the quarter-final stage in 2019/20, lead partner EA SPORTS – bringing It’s an amazing honour.” Shellzz (above) displayed impressive together some of the best Chinese
nerve to win his first major esports gamers alongside hand-picked The next six players to receive the trophy. He beat ePL newcomer content creators and influencers Premier League’s highest individual and World No3 Xbox player, Leeds on EA SPORTS FIFA Online 4. All honour were voted for by the United’s Olle ‘Ollelito’ Arbin, in the 20 Premier League clubs were public and Premier League Awards 21 grand final on a penalty shoot-out represented, with Chelsea victorious. Panel from a shortlist of 23. David International following a 6-6 draw. Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric broadcast partners Cantona, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane showed the ePL finals, “It has been a long ride to get here and and Frank Lampard all took their as well as Sky Sports, I’m so happy to be able to call myself place in the Hall of Fame in 2021. BT Sport and BBC ePremier League champion,” he said. “I Sport in the UK have done a lot of work on the mental side of my game and it’s paid off.”
An expanding Fantasy world This year’s finals were hosted from the Gfinity Arena in London as gameplay The popularity of Fantasy Premier Fans in India were able to take took place remotely for the second To coincide with the start of League (FPL) continued to grow part in the Star Sports Cup, the season running due to the COVID-19 ePL China, the Premier League in 2020/21, with a record 8.2m first bespoke FPL cup competition pandemic. The tournament’s growing launched an official channel on managers, a 10 per cent increase introduced for one of the League’s popularity was evident, with the video-sharing platform Bilibili, on the previous season. international broadcast partners. finals broadcast live in the UK by Sky providing fans in the country with a Chelsea’s winning ePL China Sports, BT Sport and BBC Sport, as range of long-form video content. An inspired decision to captain With Star Sports promoting the players Tu Dekang and Xu Ye well as being shown around the world Liverpool’s Sadio Mané on a dramatic tournament, 262,144 fans in the This came after the Premier final day helped Irish manager Michael country took part, which represents League was named the No 1 Coone become FPL champion, with almost all the Indian FPL players. online European league in China his Teddy Bears Utd side earning the for the third successive year in highest-ever score of 2,680 points. Following a successful first the Red Card report, as well 8.2m outing, this will provide the as becoming the most-viewed A record number The global appeal of the game was blueprint for similar competitions football account on Douyin, the of Fantasy Premier evident once again, with 70 per cent run in conjunction with other Chinese version of popular video- League managers of FPL managers living outside the UK. international broadcast partners. led social media platform TikTok.
24 25 “In donating our Centenary Pavilion as a vaccination centre for Leeds, along with a cohort of volunteer Leeds United staff to assist with stewarding, we have played our part in helping our city return to normality as quickly as possible. We are proud to have been able to support the national vaccine effort.”
Angus Kinnear A force CEO, Leeds United for good
The role of Premier League clubs within their communities is always important and that special connection has been particularly vital during COVID-challenged times
26 The Communities 27 Serving the Stadium support for the NHS Tottenham Hotspur welcomed which was a thank you to the NHS staff from both the North medical staff who have continued community Middlesex University Hospital to support the local community and Whittington Hospital to their during the pandemic. Premier League clubs continued to play a key stadium in May, giving them the role in society by bringing much-needed support opportunity to play on the pitch. Tottenham Hotspur and their partners’ ongoing help for both and relief to their local region in times of need Club legends Gary Mabbutt and hospitals during COVID-19 included Ossie Ardiles took charge of the North Middlesex moving its hospital teams for the activity, Women’s Outpatient Services to the stadium in April 2020. That service alone saw more than 41,500 Providing food and education resources appointments delivered at the stadium. In January, the Wolves Foundation they have everything they need. Not launched their Feed Our Pack only food, but education resources The on-pitch activity saw North initiative, with the aim of helping and physical activity opportunities, Middlesex run out 4-3 winners to reduce the effects of food when restrictions allow.” and Sonny Driver, captain of poverty and to support residents of North Middlesex University Wolverhampton impacted by the Club captain and Wolves Foundation Hospital, said: “The past year has COVID-19 pandemic. ambassador Conor Coady helped no doubt been a challenge but staff with the assembly of food having the opportunity to step Funded by a £250,000 grant from packages at Molineux and said: “This away and play on an iconic pitch the Premier League PFA Community goes to show how important this which is home to football legends Fund and a personal donation from football club is in the city and how was an incredible experience – Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo, the important the city is to the football one that we will never forget.” activity supports local food banks and club. ensures children most in need receive meals outside of term-time “We are lucky to get to play football to combat ‘holiday hunger’. during the pandemic when other Connecting generations people can’t go to work and can’t do Head of Wolves Foundation Will things that they want to do. The Saints As One campaign Clowes said: “The simple objective launched in 2020/21 to demonstrate 14,000+ is to increase the volume of food “We understand the privileges we Southampton and Saints Meals provided to distributed through the food banks. have got, so if there is anything we can Foundation’s ongoing support for those in need through Then from a school point of view, it’s do to give back, like with the Wolves their community, most notably for the Feed Our Pack working closely with families during Foundation and this project, then we isolated or vulnerable people during initiative these difficult times, to make sure will always do our best to help.” the pandemic.
Over the festive period, as part of their continued outreach work, the Foundation sought to connect generations. Pupils on the Premier League Primary Stars programme at Foundry Lane Primary School were coronavirus but hopefully you can encouraged to create and share see them soon. Please remember homemade Christmas cards with to be happy even when you’re not participants on the Senior Saints because you are amazing!’ programme. Through the campaign more than As part of one of their weekly 88,000 minutes of one-to-one calls check-in calls, the Senior Saints with older adults have also taken group shared their cards and the place. This activity is just one of the heartfelt messages from the children. ways in which Saints Foundation ‘Dear Jenny,’ one wrote, ‘I know you stayed connected to those in their can’t see your family because of community during the pandemic.
28 The Communities 29 Inspiring the Positive role model
Premier League Inspires launched competitive, and sometimes that next generation in 2019 with the mission of inspiring spilled over into the classroom, but children and young people to it’s a totally different story now. He’s develop the personal skills and matured and Inspires has helped COVID-19 lockdowns affected the education of many young people but positive attitudes to succeed in him work much better as a team the Premier League and our clubs continued to support families and life. It uses the power of football to member and his behaviour issues teachers with innovative and exciting content to aid home-learning support marginalised or vulnerable have considerably dropped.” 11-to-25-year-olds through the education system and early Franklyn has seen the change in Discussions on diversity adulthood. himself too. “Inspires helped me enjoy school more,” he explained. Education around diversity remains This season, 31 Premier League and “Since I’ve been on Inspires my a vital part of the work delivered EFL club community organisations behaviour has got better and my through the No Room For Racism have run Inspires sessions at their communication is better as well. It Action Plan. stadiums, or in local schools or feels good to be seen as a positive education settings. role model.” In October, a new suite of free resources and videos around race, Mr Thomas, a teacher at Elmgreen heritage and allyship were released School in West Norwood, London, to encourage conversation among says the scheme has been a massive primary school-aged children. help to his pupil Franklyn (right), who has been having one-to-one The videos included players’ own sessions with Fulham FC Foundation experiences of discrimination and 12,410 Inspires coach Richard Morris. the support they have had from Hours of targeted others when faced with this. support through “Last year we had a few issues with Premier League Franklyn struggling to work with One of the players to take part was Inspires in 2020/21 others,” said Mr Thomas. “He’s very Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury (right), who said: “Not everyone’s cultures are the same but it’s okay to be different. I feel that was very much a big part of my upbringing. A decade of community support It’s okay to be who you are and it’s everyone’s duty to accept that.” The Premier League celebrated the League Kicks sessions, run by The positive impact of football clubs in Albion Foundation, and his social their communities when the Premier skills and self-confidence have League Charitable Fund (PLCF) both improved dramatically since Check-in with Chelsea marked its 10-year anniversary becoming involved. during 2020/21. Ryan has been named the winner The Chelsea Foundation launched while encouraging them to take The PLCF was established in 2010 of The Albion Foundation’s Kicks their Check-In programme to part in daily physical activity. to distribute funding provided by Participant Award and continues support the wellbeing of children the Premier League to professional to regularly benefit from the 50,000+ who had been learning remotely One of the schools working with football club community programme. Teachers engaged during lockdowns and were the Chelsea Foundation was Holy organisations across England and with Premier League returning to the classroom. Cross Primary in Fulham. Teacher Wales, supporting them in their Ajay Gill, Ryan’s PL Kicks coach at The Primary Stars Anna Banner said: “The children delivery of local outreach initiatives. Albion Foundation, said: “Being at the The sessions, run as part of Chelsea’s have loved the sessions. Some of the 1.5m+ Kicks session has brought him outside Premier League Primary Stars tasks covered things we had learned People have benefited One young person who has been of his comfort zone. He’ll turn up and delivery, enabled pupils to ‘check-in’ previously so it was nice for the from provision and involved in these initiatives is Ryan interact with people that perhaps with a member of Foundation children to recap and feel that they involvement in Johnson, a huge West Bromwich he wouldn’t normally have the staff who supported them with were able to complete the tasks, but Premier League-funded Albion supporter. Ryan has become opportunity to in his day-to-day life For more information visit their return to full-time education, also to take their learning further.” www.PLPrimaryStars.com community programmes a regular attendee at the Premier and he does that fantastically well.”
30 The Communities 31 Making a positive difference Our clubs are committed to providing activities to support individuals’ physical and mental health
The Duke of Cambridge meets Helping to fund Holiday Camps EitC Veterans’ Hub participants
Premier League Kicks began in 2006 Barclays partnering to fund Premier and sees clubs work together with League Kicks Holiday Camps. Supporting mental health young people, local police forces and other stakeholders to help build This additional funding enabled 70 To celebrate Mental Health mental-health focused programmes, stronger, safer and more inclusive professional football club community Awareness Week in May, Everton including their Veteran’s Hub project. communities. organisations across England and in the Community (EitC) launched Wales to enhance their Kicks delivery. the ‘Out of the Blue’ initiative aimed “We need to speak to each other, 70 The continued community support They provided those most in need at supporting participants’ mental check in on friends, check in on our Clubs delivered for young people was more crucial with nutritious meals and access health and wellbeing. family and let people know that you Premier League than ever during the pandemic to positive activities during the care for them, are here for them and Kicks Holiday Camps and led to the Premier League and Christmas and Easter school holidays. The six-week long online education give them that feeling of belonging,” course gave participants the said Everton midfielder Tom Davies. opportunity to speak to experienced Supporting Kicks kids during Ramadan counsellors and therapists about a EitC is committed to promoting positive range of topics including self-esteem, mental health and is due to start Burnley FC in the Community (BFCitC) refreshments and something we all dealing with stress and pressure construction on a purpose-built facility, supported its Muslim Premier League really appreciate. They understood and addictions. The People’s Place, close to Goodison Kicks participants throughout we need longer, extra breaks and 15 Park in the coming months. This will Ramadan, providing refreshments to haven’t pushed us too much during Mental Out of the Blue is the latest wellbeing become a delivery site for the charity’s those who had been fasting. the session.” health-focused initiative from EitC which aims to existing mental health programmes, programmes run support individuals’ mental health. enable signposting to other services Through their delivery of the by Everton in the It complements the monthly drop- and deliver support relating to suicide community programme, BFCitC Community in service and the charity’s 13 other awareness and prevention. provides free football, cricket, dance, multi-sports and educational workshops to local young people. Umar, who attends football sessions Davies offers wellbeing insight 416,000+ at Burnley’s Leisure Box every Kicks participants Friday, said: “It was a really nice Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben physical exercise can have a huge engaged since 2006 touch that they provided us with Davies was one of the Premier League role to play and also did his best players who opened up about the during lockdown to stay in touch ways he stayed positive during the with his family, friends and help his Building confidence with Kicks challenging times prompted by elderly neighbour. COVID-19. The Newcastle United Foundation with Newcastle United Foundation “Even on days off, sometimes where has been running girls-only Kicks coaches to help lead Kicks sessions. As part of the Premier League’s I felt a bit lost or a bit lonely, I always sessions to encourage more females #StayWell hub, which was set up to found that exercising helped me, to participate and stay engaged in “What I really like about the offer resources on promoting positive especially during lockdown when sport and physical activity. sessions is that you get to mental health during the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do,” he said. communicate with a lot of people Davies was one of several players One of the attendees at their and grow bonds,” she said. “I was a speaking about the importance of “I was always helping out my elderly weekly sessions is Kacy, who started bit shy at first but once I got into it, looking after mental wellbeing. neighbour as well. We did his shopping, attending in 2017. She is now part it became more fun and there were helping out with his transport needs of a local grassroots club and works more things to learn.” The Wales international believes and his appointments.”
32 The Communities 33 “We’re proud of our roots as a working-class club in east London, the foundations of which lie deep in the local community. By the end of this year, we will have invested £28 million across our local communities via our Players’ Project, inspiring, educating and responding to those most in need during these unprecedented times.”
Karren Brady Vice-Chairman, West Ham United
More than a game
Thanks to the success of the competition, the Premier League is able to deliver a wide range of economic and social benefits
34 The Premier League 35 Supporting the whole game
The Premier League and our clubs have a significant impact on communities across the football pyramid while continuing to generate economic benefits through tax revenues and employment
Premier League and club activity contribution to the Exchequer, generates a wide range of economic paying an estimated £1.4bn in benefits. Our most recent study income tax, national insurance in conjunction with EY, based and VAT. on Season 2019/20, showed this remained the case despite the The Premier League supported significant financial impact of 94,000 jobs in the UK, with 12,000 COVID-19. of those directly employed by the League and clubs. Over Season In the first season of a new 2019/20, clubs also invested £399m £7.6bn three-year broadcast cycle, which in capital projects including was heavily disrupted by the infrastructure and facilities Contributed to the UK Clubs across the pyramid have from the Premier League through pandemic, Premier League football development, which contributed to economy in 2019/20 continued to face significant financial the Matchday Support Fund, contributed £7.6bn in economic the wider support of employment. 150+ challenges as a result of COVID-19. In awarded through the Football activity to the UK (GVA), which has December 2020, the Premier League Stadia Improvement Fund (FSIF). risen from £3.4bn in 2013/14. The Premier League funding Clubs whose announced a relief package to support This investment followed the distribution model means the community EFL clubs and ensure no club need go provision of the Pitch and Club The League and our clubs made a League and its clubs provide programmes are out of business due to the pandemic. Preparation funds last season, total tax contribution of £3.6bn in world-leading levels of financial supported by the which saw £8.7m awarded in grants 2019/20, providing an additional support to the football community Premier League A fund of £50m in the form of a grant from the Premier League, The FA £300m compared to the previous through solidarity, youth and monitored grant payments and Government via the Football EY study three years ago. Players development and wider community was agreed for League One and Foundation. accounted for a sizeable direct and good causes contributions. Two clubs as well as the Premier League committing to assist the EFL The Pitch Preparation Fund helped in securing a loan facility up to the improve more than 9,500 football £3.6bn value of £200m for Championship pitches with 33,153 football teams Paid by the League clubs to utilise interest free. This is benefitting. Club Preparation grants and clubs in taxes in addition to the existing solidarity were provided to more than 3,000 payments, youth development clubs to improve and modify their grants and community funding club facilities to help them complete provided for all EFL and National their seasons. League clubs.
Season 2020/21 also included additional support for lower-league clubs to prepare for the resumption of football and get grounds ready for the return of supporters.
94,000 More than 1,000 football clubs Jobs supported by the across 65 leagues in England and Premier League and Wales, including women and girls’ clubs in the UK football, received more than £5m
36 The Premier League 37 Funding the future
Working alongside our partners, the Premier League is committed to investing in clubs and communities throughout the football pyramid to deliver a positive legacy
Final Standings 2020/21
Pos Club W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Manchester City 27 5 6 83 32 51 86
Newcastle United’s Sean and 2 Manchester United 21 11 6 73 44 29 74 Matty Longstaff add their support to the NUCASTLE 3 Liverpool 20 9 9 68 42 26 69 construction project 4 Chelsea 19 10 9 58 36 22 67 Building facilities to benefit all 5 Leicester City 20 6 12 68 50 18 66 6 West Ham United 19 8 11 62 47 15 65 Thanks to a £2m investment by the multi-purpose sports hall, classroom 7 Tottenham Hotspur 18 8 12 68 45 23 62 Football Foundation – the Premier facilities and accessible changing League, The FA and Government’s areas. 8 Arsenal 18 7 13 55 39 16 61 charity – a new community hub will open just a five-minute walk from “It’s amazing to see the development 9 Leeds United 18 5 15 62 54 8 59 St James’ Park in 2022. at NUCASTLE so far, especially as 10 Everton 17 8 13 47 48 -1 59 we know how important the finished NUCASTLE will be the main hub of building is going to be to people 11 Aston Villa 16 7 15 55 46 9 55 the Newcastle United Foundation around the city and from all over and aims to attract more than the area,” said Newcastle United 12 Newcastle United 12 9 17 46 62 -16 45 9,958 100,000 visitors annually. The Football first-team player Sean Longstaff, 13 Wolverhampton Wanderers 12 9 17 36 52 -16 45 Facilities funded Foundation funding will go towards who joined his brother Matty and by the Football the cost of building the centre, which other guests at the construction site 14 Crystal Palace 12 8 18 41 66 -25 44 Foundation since 2000 will include a 4G rooftop pitch, a in May. 15 Southampton 12 7 19 47 68 -21 43 Making an impact with improvements 16 Brighton & Hove Albion 9 14 15 40 46 -6 41 17 Burnley 10 9 19 33 55 -22 39
For more than 20 years, clubs Club Operations Manager Mark Frost 18 Fulham 5 13 20 27 53 -26 28 throughout the football pyramid said: “Our FSIF grant has made a huge have benefited from Premier League impact on both the club and wider 19 West Bromwich Albion 5 11 22 35 76 -41 26 grants to improve the comfort, safety community. COVID hit our attendance 20 Sheffield United 7 2 29 20 63 -43 23 and accessibility of their grounds numbers, but it is very apparent the via the Football Stadia Improvement upgrades have led to an increase in Fund (FSIF). younger spectators, while still serving the older supporters of the club.” Ilkeston Town, who play in the Northern Premier League Division Since 2000, investment by the Ilkeston Town’s New Manor Ground One, received £150,000 from the FSIF Premier League into the FSIF has for ground improvement and upgrade provided almost 6,000 grants worth To read more and to watch our videos works including walkways, dugouts £167m. This has supported 1,510 clubs please visit premierleague.com/season-review and a pitch perimeter barrier. across 59 leagues.
38 The Premier League 39 Premier League Season 2020/21
Official Partners
Lead Partner Official Bank Official Beer Official Soft Drink
Official Timekeeper Official Ball Official Cloud Partner
Official Licencees
Official UK Broadcast Partners
Official UK Radio Broadcast Partners