Josh Brownhill, Burnley's midfielder, created a video series to help promote local businesses during Covid-19.
Josh Brownhill, Burnley's midfielder, says that a lot of the work footballers did during the Covid-19 pandemic is "under the radar."
Brownhill created a video series that was external-linked to promote local businesses and shops in Burnley. He encouraged support from his social media followers.
According to the 25-year old, he wanted "to help people in trouble".
Brownhill stated that it was all about "what I can do personally to help these local businesses."
Brownhill claims that he didn't have much time to explore the new environment after he joined the Premier League club in Bristol City in January 2020.
He said, "As it was opening up again," he explained.
"It is clear that many people will struggle to cope with all the shops you pass, even those that were not even open."
"Even now shops that are open are struggling because of how long it [the pandemic] has been going on."
"Everybody in football did their bit"
Since the outbreak of the pandemic many professional teams and players have donated to charities and communities, including the England national soccer team who donated some Euro 2020 prize money for the NHS to help the heroes.
Brownhill, a Warrington-born midfielder, says that his efforts to raise awareness for businesses like coffee shops and cafes were never meant to be recognized.
He said, "You know it won't be just me doing something. There will be many other footballers helping their community. It all goes under the radar because not many people would publish it.
"Everyone in football contributed on different levels to make the game a success.
"It wasn't about recognition for me. It was about how I could assist the local community and not just the larger stores that don’t need it as much."
Brownhill claims that his video series has attracted a lot of attention from the local community.
He said that he had received many messages from people who didn't know the shops existed. It doesn't matter if one or twenty people visit, it will encourage people to consider independent shops.
"I have a social media platform that many people in Burnley use, so it was about using it to my advantage.
It was seen by over half a million people which is amazing. It will only help."
