Fulham coach Shai wins first Barclays Community Icon of the Month award

The first winner of the Barclays Community Icon of the Month award has been announced. 

What is the Barclays Community Icon of the Month award?

This new initiative celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful impact through Premier League-funded programmes.

At the start of the season, clubs were invited to nominate standout volunteers or participants for their positive contributions, and each month, one winner will be spotlighted through a short video that brings their inspiring story to life.

Fulham's Shai wins first award

Shai Ivey's journey began with the Premier League Kicks programme and he has come full circle through the Made in Fulham project, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Community Fund.

Shai has been recognised for his dedication, teamwork and leadership, and is described by staff as a truly inspiring figure – both to those who support him and those he now supports.

See what Shai said after winning the award

"It means a lot to me, because it feels like I can be a role model for others in the future and the younger generation," Shai said. 

"I want them to make the most of the opportunities that I did and take the opportunities that I might have missed.

"The expectation was just to play football every week, but now I look at how I can influence the younger generation and how I can impact the community in positive ways.

"To begin with, I was quite happy to go through the motions, whereas now I want to make the most of everything, especially while I am young, and I would advise others to do the same."

Shai is now a qualified coach, set to work on Fulham FC Foundation programmes – including Kicks, the sessions where his journey began five years ago.