- Chief Executive Susan Whelan and Club Ambassador Alan Birchenall also attend along with managers and players from Arsenal, West Ham United and Burnley
- Boys and girls from the LCFC Community Trust’s PL Kicks project take part in matches on pitches supported by the Premier League and FA Facilities Fund
- Chief Executive Susan Whelan confirms a new contract for Claudio Ranieri at the event
Claudio Ranieri and Wes Morgan were joined by Susan Whelan and Alan Birchenall on Wednesday as Leicester City helped launch the 2016/17 Premier League season at Market Road in London.
Arsenal, West Ham United and Burnley were also represented on the day, which took place at a Premier League-supported community sports facility in north London, complete with several stunning artificial pitches.
Girls and boys from the LCFC Community Trust’s PL Kicks programme took on their counterparts from the other three clubs in a series of small-sided matches to provide a vibrant backdrop to what was a memorable morning.
The event aimed to highlight the work done by clubs to inspire youngsters across the country – the results clearly evident as both Claudio and Wes were immediately surrounded by young players asking about last season’s Premier League title victory.
Alongside the community involvement, the event began with great news for Leicester City fans ask Chief Executive Susan Whelan announced on Sky Sports that .
Following the news, both Claudio and Wes embarked upon an extensive series of interviews – 12 each in total – as they retold the Leicester City story to broadcasters from every corner of the globe.
That global interest underlined the incredible appeal of the Premier League and just how impactful the league, its stars and its stories can be, and for Ranieri, it was a worthwhile trip.
“I think it’s a good step for the Club,”the manager told LCFC TV.“It’s a great day. I didn’t expect something like this but I’m very, very happy.
“It’s very exciting. I’m very curious to see all the people here and the people from our community projects too. I’m very curious. I want to see.”
The community projects Claudio spoke about included the PL Kicks, the Premier League Girls football programme and Premier League 4 Sport – initiatives whose outstanding success highlights just how elite football can drive inspirational and engaging projects for youngsters looking to benefit from participation in sport.
“It’s good to see these kind of schemes happening and the Premier League getting behind young kids playing football by putting money into facilities like this,” said Morgan.
“I was involved in a training session with the girls and they were inspired to see the players joining in I think. We like to give things back and it’s good to see the girls game develop and just to have the facilities and opportunities for those that are interested in football.”
Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore said:"We can’t wait for the 2016/17 Premier League season to start and today is about celebrating the players and managers who put on the competitive and compelling football we all enjoy.
"It is also about recognising and highlighting that clubs do so much to inspire young people, giving them opportunities to get into sport and enhancing their education.
"Premier League football brings people together and positively impacts on their lives. This season we have challenged the players and managers to cut out behaviour that crosses the line in terms of acceptability. Hopefully this will cement our ability to inspire young people positively both on and away from the pitch."