Jack Wilson has become the second person honoured by the Premier League Kicks Heroes campaign in recognition for his work as a volunteer Middlesbrough FC Foundation coach.
Boro defender George Friend gave Wilson a personalised comic strip at an event at the Newport Community Hub, in Middlesbrough, to celebrate the former Kicks participant's 250 hours on the programme as a volunteer in the first six months of 2016.
Now an employee at the Foundation, as well as its Ambassador of the Year for 2016, Jack's story has been immortalised in the comic strip illustration designed by Marvel and DC Comics artist John McCrea.
See: Jack Wilson's PL Kicks Heroes comic strip
"I started taking part at Kicks sessions when I was nine, mainly just so I could have a kickabout on a decent pitch," Jack said. "I could never have imagined then that my association with Middlesbrough FC Foundation would lead to me becoming a volunteer for them and then a part-time coach.
"My life has changed so much in the past few years and I can’t wait to see what 2017 brings."
READ | An @MFCFoundation coach has been immortalised in comic book form with George Friend! Here's why - https://t.co/WLc2JAlGds?utm_source=premier-league-website&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=link pic.twitter.com/LkVD3UJTc1
— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) January 6, 2017
Premier League Kicks began 10 years ago, aiming to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities through the development of young peoples’ potential, through giving them access to facilities, coaching and mentoring.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary, each of the clubs running Premier League Kicks sessions have been asked to nominate a 'Kicks Hero', someone involved in the programme who has inspired others through their dedication, work ethic and own personal development.
"Jack is a great example of the impact that the Middlesbrough FC Foundation’s work can have on young people in the local community," Friend, who is a Premier League Kicks ambassador, said. "Giving them access to facilities, and to qualified coaches who can help mentor them both on and off the pitch is vital."
Premier League Kicks is run by 68 Premier League, English Football League and National League clubs and has engaged more than 180,000 young people in weekly football, sport and personal development sessions held at local community venues across the UK.
The PL Kicks Heroes campaign was launched last month at the Ferry Lane Estate in London, with Dele Alli presenting a comic strip to Tottenham Hotspur Foundation nominee Sivan Sherabayani.
