Cardiff City FC Community Foundation wins Best Social Impact Initiative Award
Bluebirds Charity has been recognised for Social Impact at the 2025 WSA Sports Industry Awards, highlighting its £33.4m impact and life-changing work across South Wales.
CARDIFF CITY FC'S COMMUNITY CAPTAIN
Darren has been at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation for four years, working across our Premier League Kicks and Inclusive Kicks sites in Blaenau Gwent, Merthyr Tydfil, Ebbw Vale, and Abertillery. He has become an integral member of the team in that area of South Wales, helping to establish and strengthen Cardiff City FC connections within local communities.
Darren is one of more than 100 people across England Wales being celebrated through the Premier League More Than A Game Campaign for their work in Premier League funded community programmes. Darren was selected as Cardiff City’s Community Captain because of his significant impact on participants and their families in Merthyr.
Premier League Kicks uses the power of football and sport to inspire young people to reach their potential, in some of the most high-need areas in England and Wales. Inclusive Kicks is a disability football programme that improves wellbeing, develops confidence and increases social interaction. Through these free sessions, Cardiff City FC Community Foundation aim to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to experience the benefits of taking part in regular sport.
FINDING FULFILLMENT.
Before Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, Darren was on the search for something fulfilling outside of the demands and intensity of his full-time job, that would allow him to give back to children in his community, in his spare time. He found that our Premier League Kicks work lined up with his passion for football and physical activity while giving back to those in need.
Coincidentally, these weekly sessions don't just benefit the wellbeing of our participants, but also Darren as a leader and an active member of the community. Darren views these sessions as a personal release, supporting his own mental health while enriching the lives of others.
Through Darren's passion for community, he's single handedly built a sense of belonging, purpose, and togetherness at Merthyr Kicks, creating a true family atmosphere. The site has flourished under his leadership, growing the site into a highly engaged session, week on week. Thanks to Darren’s encouragement, some participants even travel up to 40 miles round trip just to attend these sessions once a week.
The Premier League is investing £1.6 million into wider football and communities between 2022 and 2025. The Premier League supports football at every level of the game in England Wales, providing world leading investments in clubs, communities and facilities to positively impact and inspire the lives of millions of people.
changing lives, transforming communities.
