The People's Postcode Lottery has recognised David Duke's leadership skills with a £25,000 cheque
Street Soccer Scotland founder David Duke has scored a winning goal for his organisation after picking up a grant in recognition of his leadership skills.
The People’s Postcode Lottery Postcode Community Trust has awarded the charity £25,000 in recognition of David’s “outstanding contribution to society and the third sector”.
David founded Street Soccer Scotland in 2009 after he experienced first-hand the transformative power of the beautiful game.
Following the death of his dad aged just 21, David had been homeless and living in various hostels in Glasgow for three years when he saw an advert for trials for the 2004 Homeless World Cup, which he credits as the catalyst for positive change in his life.
For the first time in a long time, David found he had a purpose and a community of people around him. He wanted to perform well on the pitch and so spent less time engaging in what he describes as negative behaviours.
Returning from the tournament, David got involved in coaching and went to college to train as a community support worker.
In 2009, he received a Firstport start-up grant of £3,000, leaving his job and moving from Glasgow to Edinburgh so he could start up Street Soccer Scotland.
The organisation has gone from strength to strength, including being named Scottish Charity of the Year 2017.
David said: "I would like to thank the Postcode Community Trust and players of the People's Postcode Lottery for their continued and much valued support. This funding - along with previous awards - has provided a huge boost to Street Soccer Scotland. The grant will allow us to continue to push forward a number of projects which will have a real, positive impact on many of the most vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people in our communities."
Street Soccer Scotland provides an inclusive space for some of society's most vulnerable - including individuals who are homeless, dealing with addiction and those with additional support needs - to participate in football.
Many of the coaches at the charity have been through the programme themselves and through these shared experiences they're able to nurture players by building meaningful relationships based on trust.
It is a winning tactic that is working wonders, as recent research commissioned by the organisation demonstrated that for every £1 Street Soccer Scotland spends there is a return of almost £10 in terms of the social benefit to the individuals supported and the wider community.
Clara Govier, head of charities at People's Postcode Lottery, commented: "David is a remarkable leader who truly lives his vision by inspiring its players to acknowledge their value and unlock their potential. I'm incredibly proud players of People's Postcode Lottery are supporting Street Soccer Scotland and recognising David's outstanding contribution to society and the third sector."
