Brentford's Brian Burgess awarded British Empire Medal for services to football

Lifelong Brentford fan and employee Brian Burgess has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to football in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Burgess, who is currently an Associate Director at the club, was nominated for his work for the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust.

Burgess was one of the original members of Bees United, the Brentford FC Supporters’ Trust, and subsequently became chairman. He was Chairman when Bees United completed a takeover of Brentford in early 2006, helping raise the funds required to refinance the club.

Burgess helped pave the way for the initial involvement of current owner Matthew Benham and served as deputy chairman until taking up a paid position on the new stadium project in 2008.

He has been a trustee for the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust for more than 15 years, helping to cement Brentford’s reputation as a community-led football club.

Speaking about the award, Burgess (below) said: “I am delighted and humbled to be awarded this BEM, which recognises the valuable work of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and its impact in local communities.

“It’s an absolute privilege to have served as a Trustee from the Trust’s inception in 2005 and to work closely with Chief Executive Lee Doyle and his team in developing such exciting projects such as the new community hub next to Brentford Community Stadium and the impressive sports hub at Gunnersbury Park.”

“As a charity, the Community Sports Trust delivers a wide range of programmes using the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire people from all backgrounds including vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups. The way in which the team has successfully adapted these goals to the difficult circumstances of the pandemic has been truly amazing.

“Therefore, this award is a tribute to everyone involved in the Community Sports Trust and its partners, and the efforts of so many former colleagues and volunteers at the Club and Bees United.

“On a personal level, I owe so much to my late wife, Sylvia, who was and always will be an inspiration.”

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