Russell Lewis honoured for work over many years
Russell Lewis, one of Northampton Town Football Club’s dedicated team members, was awarded for his many years of service to the club’s Football in the Community programme last week, when he was presented with the Outstanding Contribution Award by the Northamptonshire FA.
Russell, who has been with the Cobblers’ community team for an incredible 23 years, works to provide football opportunities to disabled players within the county.
The accolade, which was announced as part of the Northamptonshire FA Community Awards presented by McDonald’s last month, was presented to Russell at Northampton Town’s 14th annual Pan-Disability Football Festival; one of the many events that he has overseen the development of over the years.
Upon receiving his award, Russell said:
“I feel very proud to have won this award. I’m very fortunate that, through my job, I have an opportunity to coach and help people with a disability reach their full potential. If I’m able to do this through football, it’s great. However, if I also help their growth as individuals, then it’s even better.
“Over 20 years, we have worked hard to develop our disability football coaching sessions, which take place on a Friday evening. It may be the last session we run each week, and it can often be after 9:00pm that I get home after dropping people off, but the smiles on individuals’ faces make it a rewarding experience.
“I might be the person that won this award, but there are many individuals, both at Northampton Town and other clubs, that have put in a huge amount of work in the same area. Hopefully, our work together keeps us all going – and the feeling you receive, which is hard to explain, makes it all worthwhile.”
Russell’s award was presented to him by Brian Walden, Chairman of the Northamptonshire FA, who praised Russell for his many years of dedicated service to Northamptonshire and inclusive football. He said:
“Following a successful and rewarding playing career, Russell has devoted much of his time providing others with a chance to play the game, particularly those who may not have been presented with many opportunities. The award is fully deserved and rewards the dedication he has given.”
For more information on Northampton Town Football in the Community’s work, please visit www.ntfc-itc.co.uk, and head to www.northamptonshirefa.com for more information on inclusive football opportunities available around the county.