Simon Duffield-Harding

Simon joined a local football team when his son wanted to play football. He became very involved with the team and is now Director of the football academy which has 13 teams and 200 children. He ensured that he was successful in his voluntary role by taking additional qualifications in his own time such as FA certificate, First Aid and Child Protection.

He was passionate that the young footballers had every opportunity to enjoy playing football and feeling valued as part of a team. He started his voluntary work 4 years ago and now is in charge of the academy. He has helped expand the organisation and raise funds with local businesses and charity organisations. More recently he has helped organise collections of two hundred football kits to be sent to children in Haiti. He also manages to support the local school as deputy Chair of Governors. He has had a massive effect on the local community, bringing football and community spirit back to the forefront, giving the children confidence and good stead for their future. He organises local fundraising activities which encourage parents and guardians to contribute to the club successes.

Simon is an inspirational as a man with full time commitments to work and his family and an inspiration to other parents to get involved. A real star