Dean Lightwood

Dean Lightwood takes the inspiration of playing football to over 400 young people in his community.

When he was thinking about hanging up his own football boots he decided to help out at his local football club, starting a team for my son and his friends 8 years ago. 8 years later he's managed to start up a new squad each year, running after school introduction to football courses for reception and Year 1 children which then feed into the football club's mini-soccer section.

Not content with running sessions and matches 4 times a week he's also organised school holiday football courses at the club using his holiday time. He's used his time and money becoming a Uefa qualified coach, supporting other parents through Uefa badges.

Until last year the area had no mini-soccer facility, Dean managed the whole project to build one in 2010, including the planning application, fund raising £10,000 to pay for the work, and appointing the contractors. The facility is now used every week by 5 age group teams for training and matches, with the official opening covered with a page in the local press.

Dean has Made a Difference by increasing club membership by over 50%, he's not just focussed on supporting his own children but has built a community club which nurtures friendships for life and has built a real community spirit.