The phrase, ‘He’s one of our own’, has fast become a regular feature of the footballing fan songbook, usually in reference to a player who has developed through a club’s Academy.
Well, now at Wolves Foundation, there is someone who truly is ‘One of Our Own’, because he has won that particular award, and also because Head Coach Julen Lopetegui says so!
Taye, aged 14, who attends St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, received the ‘One of Our Own’ award as part of the Premier League Supports campaign, highlighting people across the country who have made exceptional contributions to club charities.
And it was handed over by none other than Lopetegui, who visited one of the Foundation’s Premier League Kicks sessions at All Saints Community Network, to spring the surprise.
“Taye is someone who has been with us for four or five years now and he was at risk of getting involved in different things and was a vulnerable young person,” said Luke Shearing, Wolves Foundation’s Inclusion & Cohesion Manager.
“He has come such a long way and is such a positive young man now from where he was – that is ultimately what the Premier League Kicks programme is all about, people like Taye and how they can develop.
“It was great to see Julen give him that award and to see the smile on his face – another big part of his journey.”
Taye first engaged with Wolves Foundation via the PL Kicks project and also Premier League Inspires, having struggled with his behaviour management whilst at school.
Always a bubbly and outgoing presence, he was quickly able to channel his behaviour into something positive, and became a member of the Action Park group leading positive work in the community and also the matchday ball crew at Wolves’ home matches.
It is with that positive attitude and willingness to step forward that he was earmarked for the ‘One of Our Own’ award, receiving a commemorative frame and scarf to mark the achievement.
‘Being involved in PL Kicks has been brilliant for me,” says Taye.
“I am really grateful for the opportunities that it has brought going on to the Social Action group and that being part of the ball crew.
“Without this, I think I would probably be very bored and feeling anti-social, not getting out and about to do the activities and meeting people.
“Working with the Foundation has really helped me meet so many new people and build my confidence and self-esteem.
“It was so exciting to get the award. I feel privileged to be able to meet people like that, a manager from a team in the Premier League.
“Even just being part of the ball crew on a matchday and getting to watch Wolves games is something I see as a one-in-a-million opportunity.”
Having received the award in the week leading up to the Foundation’s Annual Focus Fixture against Chelsea, Taye then joined Foundation ambassador Jacqui Oatley in touring the corporate lounges in the Billy Wright Stand before the game to tell his story.
It was all part of the Premier League Supports week of action, highlighting the impact of the investment the Premier League has made in supporting wider football and communities, support which is distributed from grass roots to the professional set-up across so many levels of the game.
