A REDDITCH Borough FC volunteer enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime day among England stars at Wembley having scooped a prestigious national award – despite initially thinking it was a wind-up.
Darren Richards is Borough’s director of inclusive and disability football, heading up a programme that opens up the beautiful game to players with a variety of physical and mental health needs.
His hard work was recognised by the Worcestershire FA and Darren then saw off competition from up and down the land to win the FA’s New Volunteer of the Year award.
England’s 1966 World Cup final hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst and Three Lions aces Paul Merson and John Barnes were among the dignitaries as Darren’s achievements were recognised in Wembley’s Great Hall on Sunday and that was not all. He then headed down to the hallowed turf to present the matchball ahead of the FA Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
“I was blown away just to win the Worcestershire award and it turned out that meant I got nominated for the national one,” said Darren.
“The call came in a few days later to say I’d won and at first I asked who it really was, I honestly thought it was a wind-up and was absolutely gobsmacked.
“It is up there as one of my biggest achievements and I do feel overwhelmed by it all, even now.
“There are loads of people who have done more than me and I feel so fortunate even to have been put forward in the first place.
“This is not just for me, it is for anyone and everyone in the grassroots game who gives their time and effort to make it all happen.”
Darren has been coaching for 30 years and moved across to lead Borough’s inclusive programme in April 2024.
The adult team won the Worcestershire Ability Counts League at the first attempt, his two junior sides have also won tournaments and the club hopes to add more teams in the near future.
Darren added: “I couldn’t believe how serious the game was getting at times.
“My initial thought was to start an under-fives team and take that through a few years but [club founder and board managing director] Julian [Workman] suggested this and, thanks to a lot of hard work from a lot of people, we haven’t looked back.
“I thoroughly enjoy being a part of it and it really is a team effort.”
Worcestershire FA football development officer, Emily Mobley, added: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Darren and everyone at Redditch Borough FC. The growth they’ve achieved in such a short space of time is nothing short of remarkable.
“Darren’s positivity, enthusiasm and genuine care for the players shines through in everything he does. He’s so deserving of this award and I’m really looking forward to seeing the disability section continue to grow and thrive under his leadership.”
