By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The founder of a football club that has enabled hundreds of children and adults with disabilities to enjoy playing football has won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sefton Council, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards.
John Doran was a pioneering member of the Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC that started with a handful of disabled and SEN children to include them in football.
It has grown to over 300 children and adults of all ages and all disabilities.
The Pride Of Sefton Awards saw a double celebration for John with two members of his family in the Red Rem Club band which won the Sefton Arts Award!
John’s son, Francis, is the lead singer of Red Rum Club, while his nephew, Tom, is also in the band.
John Doran, the founder of the Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sefton Council, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Joseph Johnson, among the people to nominate John Doran, said: “John does a lot of hard work unseen by helping the families with support, advice and company to just help.
“He does it all voluntarily and he has changed so many lives and he does a wonderful thing by just being him.
“They have weekly footballing sessions and tournaments and even play in disability leagues helped set up by John and his team.
“Putting so many hours to change and help people from underprivileged and challenged families is a great thing and one I would love to see him recognised for. I can’t explain enough what he has done for the people and families of Sefton.”
John Doran, the founder of the Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sefton Council, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
A parent of one of the players said: “My son got diagnosed with cerebral vision impairment and could not play mainstream football.
“This was the lowest of lows for my son as he loved football.
“I got in contact with Bootle Bucks Inclusion and they gave my son a whole new lease of life and made him feel special and normal.
“This club gives my son his own chance of playing football with other children with different challenges and overcome them all together as a group with their coaches.
John Doran, the founder of the Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sefton Council, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“Since we have been with Bootle Bucks for two years now my son has been diagnosed with a very rare brain disease.
“Bootle Bucks have been there for us as a family throughout all our journey and support us wherever they can and whenever they can.
“I am only speaking about my child’s and my famil’ys encounter and experience with Bootle Bucks.
“If you asked the other 240 plus people associated with the club they would have their own story and how the club has helped them through challenges in life.
“This club supports children all over the community and is unbelievable what it does and all voluntary.”
John Doran, the founder of the Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sefton Council, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“The club does not get the credit it deserves and with an award like this it would give them the credit they do deserve.”
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
John Doran, the founder of the Bootle Bucks Inclusion FC, won the Diversity and Inclusion Award, sponsored by Sefton Council, at the 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
- For more details about For James – the James Bulger Memorial Trust please visit: forjames.org
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