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Darrel is presented with a framed image by PL Kicks participant Denzel.
Bradford City FC Community Foundation Premier League Kicks Coordinator and Youth Worker Darrel Walker has been recognised as a Community Captain by the Premier League.
Darrel, who runs the Foundation’s free football provision across Bradford via the Premier
League Kicks programme, was presented with a framed shirt, a Community Captain Armband, and a pennant in recognition of his tireless work for the Foundation, and his impact on his local community.
Darrel said: “I am made up to have been named a Community Captain. It was nice to even have been nominated, but to have won this recognition means the world to me. As a young lad growing up in Bradford I would have loved the chance to take part in programmes like Premier League Kicks, so to be able to deliver for young people across the city is something I am very proud of.”
Darrel was joined by partner Caitlin and daughter Lyla for the presentation.
A presentation for the Community Captain awards took place at the Frame 2 Complex in
Bradford this week, a venue for one of Darrel’s weekly Premier League Kicks sessions. The free football initiative acts as a diversionary activity for vulnerable young people in parts of Bradford with high deprivation levels.
The Premier League’s Community Captain initiative seeks to recognise individuals who are
making a difference through their community work as part of their More Than A Game
campaign. The Bradford City FC Community Foundation is supported by the Premier League in its running of the Premier League Kicks and Premier League Primary Stars programmes, which provide free football sessions and in-school activities respectively.
The Foundation uses these programmes to reach, help and inspire young people across the whole of Bradford, providing them with access to both football and classroom activities.
One such beneficiary of the Premier League Kicks programme is Denzel, who attends Kicks
sessions weekly, and presented Darrel with his framed picture at the awards ceremony.
Denzel said: “Darrel is fantastic to have around at sessions. He always makes time for you, you can talk to him about anything, not just football, and me and the other guys always look forward to seeing him. Coming to the sessions gets me out, keeps me fit, and lets me have fun every week.”
Foundation CEO and former BCAFC player, Ian Ormondroyd, was delighted that Darrel has
been recognised for his efforts.
Ian said: “When Darrel started working with the Foundation, his passion for youth work was evident. He has gone from strength to strength in his time here, coordinating and running our Premier League sessions, which now provide free football to people all over Bradford six days a week. We are all very proud of him, and know that this recognition will only spur him on to continue doing his crucial work for the young people of the city.”