Head teacher 'left speechless' by champion award

A woman recognised for her community work by her beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers has been described as "one of the most passionate head teachers there is" by her colleagues.

Louisa Craig, head teacher at Our Lady and St Chad Catholic Academy (OLSC) in Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, has been made community captain for 2025 by the Wolves Foundation.

After ex-Wolves captain Karl Henry presented the award, Ms Craig said: "I am speechless, probably for the first time in my life."

Clubs across the Premier League nominate community champions, recognising them for their commitment to football and society.

"Community captains are the unsung heroes and people who go above and beyond the call of duty to benefit the lives of others, demonstrating that football is so much more than a game," Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said.

Henry said teachers had "huge responsibility and so many have such a positive impact" and that Ms Craig was at the forefront of that and hugely respected.

Paul Taylor, OLSC assistant principal, said everything about Ms Craig was student-focused, whether through supporting pupils with difficulties in their lives, or investing in high-quality sport.

He said she was "relentless" in her pursuit of ensuring students achieved their best.

As chairwoman of the PE and Schools Sport Physical Activity group in the city, Ms Craig works with schools across Wolverhampton.

Helen Bourton, partnerships and school sport manager for Wolverhampton, described her as "one of the most passionate head teachers I have ever met".

The head teacher, a Wolves season ticket holder, first became involved with the Wolves Foundation after the London 2012 Olympics.

Working with Premier League for Sport, she set up sports activities at OLSC including handball, basketball and judo, the charity said.

The school became part of the foundation's Football & Education Sixth Form Academy, offering a BTEC in sport, and a programme using football to promote personal skills and inspire positive attitudes, under the Premier League Inspires scheme.

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