A football coach who set up an inclusion league giving children who love football the opportunity to play the sport they love has been celebrated for his efforts at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Christopher Duckworth, of the Bootle Bucks, was recognised as a Finalist in the Sefton Diversity and Inclusion Award sponsored by Sefton Council.
The accolade was announced at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards which was held at The Grand in Southport as local heroes from across the borough were applauded in 13 categories.
A nomination said: “Christopher has a disabled son, with a rare genetic disease, who loves football.
“Christopher over the years has been involved with Bootle Bucks (part of Bootle FC), as a manager and coach of one of the teams.
“Last year he was proud to announce that his team Bootle Bucks was playing in a mainstream league. However after a number of individuals from other teams, not embracing inclusivity Christopher set up an inclusion league run under a mainstream structure, which is one of a kind.
“There are eight teams in the inclusion league giving children who love football the opportunity to play, and these are boy and girls teams all playing together. The league is the Phil Hoare / Emr Memorial Division League and the John Callaghan Cup. Each match is played at the Netherton Activity Centre in Sefton.
“I would like to nominate Christopher for taking a negative and turning it into a positive with sheer determination.
“For putting big smiles on the faces of so many children with disabilities making sure that they are included in the world of football.
“Christopher has also put two of his team forward and they now have trials for England proving that everyone can achieve anything.”
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on 24th April 2026.
The Main Award was won by Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
Next year’s event takes place on Friday 30th April 2027.
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