Celebrating EFL Community Hero’s Journey from Participant to Volunteer

Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWitC) are pleased to announce Jude Kay as one of their EFL Community Heroes for 2024-25 season. Following his participation across different services Jude joined BWitC as a volunteer across their BL One and Panathalon sessions in September 2023 helping him develop his confidence and independence. Despite being a Manchester United fan Jude wears his Bolton Wanderers staff kit with Pride representing the charity at all events.

A valued member of the team Jude works across the charity’s Panathalon events and BL One provision providing activities for adults with disabilities including Ten Pin Bowling, Cricket and Multi Sport. When volunteering he provides a range a volunteer support from event setup to welcoming Teams on arrival at the Venue and directing them to the registration desk, officiating on court both leading and supporting activity stations to giving demonstrations and writing scores down. Jude is highly regarded amongst both BWitC staff and their participants having built a rapport with regular attendees.

Reflecting on his journey with BWitC, Jude stated “Bolton Wanderers in the Community has been a huge support in helping me grow in confidence and develop new skills. Through their programs, I’ve gained opportunities I never thought possible and made meaningful connections. Their support has been amazing.”

As a volunteer at BWitC Jude receives training alongside the charity’s other sports leaders which is supporting him in gaining confidence in his delivery. This was evident in the latest boccia competitions where he took a Lead on one court officiating the first match, acting as a leader and role model for the younger sports leaders.

Debbie Davies, BWitC Project Officer, works closely with Jude and reflected on his personal development “Jude turns up for every sessions and event at least 30 minutes early and is always keen to help with everything from the minute he starts to when it finishes. The impact being a volunteer has had on Jude is clear through his increase in independence. When he started with us Jude was dropped off at sessions by his parents at the venues but through his attendance his independence grew very quickly, and he began independently travelling both to and from work.”

The BL One project is a 3-year funded project providing opportunities and provisions, including a LGBTQ+ Youth Club, community football session, female engagement session, disability sports provisions and multiple initiatives and events for awareness days and inclusion campaigns.

For more information on BWitC’s Panathalon events contact Debbie at ddavies@bwitc.org.uk

For more information on the BWitC’s BL One provision please contact Cormac at cnoel@bwitc.org.uk