A Tottenham Hotspur Foundation coach who has been running inclusive football sessions in the local community for 25 years has been named our Premier League Community Captain.
John Abel received the award as part of the Premier League’s More Than A Game campaign, which brings together the Premier League and its clubs to celebrate community programmes. The campaign runs across all Premier League fixtures between 1-16 February.
John is not only the Foundation’s longest-serving coach, but also one of its most uniquely skilled, providing football for people with a wide range of disabilities, including the delivery of adapted versions of the game.
He said: “It means the world to me, seeing people enjoying themselves and having the opportunity to socialise, no matter what disability or impairments they may have.
“What inspires me and keeps me getting up in the mornings is making sure I put a smile on people’s faces. If I walk in a room and I go and say hello, and they smile at me, that’s my job done before I even start delivering the session. If I get that smile in their eyes, I know I’ve made a difference to that person.
“Some of the young people I've worked with have had life-limiting illnesses. It can be a tough, unforgiving world. Working with them, no matter how short a time it's for, can make such a difference. I've even been invited to the funeral of one child during my time, showing how much the parents appreciated our support.
“On the other side, you’ve got those who go on to fulfil a life, have a family, buy a house, get a job. We're that little link at the beginning that gives them the fundamental life skills and the opportunity to succeed.”
John has even seen some of the players he has coached go on to represent their countries and had the opportunity to observe a selection play for the Great Britain football team at the London 2012 Paralympics.
In addition to the pan-disability sessions John has run, he has led the delivery of a Sporting Memories programme for people with dementia and currently delivers the Foundation's walking football sessions for women.
He was presented with the Community Captain award by Brennan Johnson, who congratulated John on his many years of dedicated service.
Brennan said: “John is a fantastic example of someone doing incredible work in the community - so to have the opportunity to present him with this award is extra special.
“I enjoy getting the opportunity to meet members of our community at Foundation sessions like those that John runs. It keeps you in touch with what matters most, and I think the Club do a great job in that.”
Tottenham Hotspur Foundation is supported by the Premier League to run a number of programmes, including Premier League Kicks & Premier League Primary Stars, which are helping 7,266 young people in Haringey, Enfield and surrounding London boroughs.