Story added: 18th May 2023

Darren Hunter: One of our own

Darren has been full-time with the Foundation since March 2011, originally joining the National Citizen Service team before moving over to our disability programme, which he currently leads as the Disability Development Manager.

He has pioneered our disability programmes for a number of years, aiding the progression of our representative teams such as the Powerchair football team, PAN-disability football teams and achieved recent successes with the Foundation’s Cerebral Palsy football team, winning the CP National League in March.

Darren also works with our Realising Potential group, which is supported by the Professional Footballers’ Association. Darren is an absolute fans’ favourite amongst all disability session participants having established an excellent rapport with each of them on an individual level.

It is because of this relationship with his participants that we deemed it fit for them to present Darren with the Premier League supports ‘One of our own’ award at The Nest – our community hub that plays host to a large number of Darren’s sessions.

PL Supports

The Premier League Supports campaign aims to highlight the impact of its investment on wider football and communities, as well as announce new funding to benefit clubs and fans at all levels of the game.

During the campaign, clubs and their associated charities across the game are celebrating a person who has shown exceptional commitment to a relevant programme.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said:

“The Premier League is proud to provide world-leading financial support for football at every level, helping thousands of clubs to have a positive impact on their local community.

“Our wide-ranging investment supports an array of programmes within communities and the ‘Premier League Supports’ campaign is an opportunity for clubs at all levels to celebrate the unsung heroes who help deliver or participate in this activity.

“The new funding announcements we are making highlight our commitment to deliver more support than ever before and will benefit the people and places that are the heartbeat of football up and down the country.

“The strength of the football pyramid in this country is unique and we will continue to look at new ways to support the entire game, directing funds where they are needed most.”