Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Danny Ings: Burnley striker funds foundation to help disabled youngsters in the region

Clarets forward has scored three Premier League goals this season

James Orr
Wednesday 26 November 2014 15:01 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Well played, Danny Ings.

The Clarets' striker has launched his own self-funded foundation for disabled youngsters in the Burnley area.

Ings has scored three Premier League goals for the newly-promoted club this season, including his double on Saturday in the 2-1 win at Stoke City.

In conjunction with Burnley FC in the Community, "The Danny Ings Disability Sport Project" aims to deliver football coaching to disabled youngsters and with learning difficulties throughout the region.

"It’s something that’s been a long time coming," revealed Ings.

"I wanted to do it last year, but with all of the games in the Championship, it wasn’t possible.

"So I sat down in the summer with the Burnley FC In The Community lads, who have been fantastic, and we came up with this project and I’m just happy that it’s launched.

"It’s not about the money for me, it’s about seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, that’s what means the most to me and that’s why I want to give as much back as I can.

"Unfortunately these kids won’t be able to have the career that I’ve got, so supporting them and making them part of the journey in my career means a lot."

Ings revealed that the inspiration for the project came from a meeting a young disabled fan. The picture (below) went viral.

“A couple of years ago, I got my picture taken with a young lad called Joseph Skinner, who I gave my boots to. Before I even got back in the changing room, the picture had gone viral. From that day on, it really inspired me to give my all back, and do as much as I can.

"I’m planning to cover as many disabilities as possible, giving them as much sports and football coaching as I can. Also, I’ll be creating Burnley’s first ever adult disability football team, to compete in the north-west league."

For more information on the Danny Ings Disability Sports Project, please e-mail community@burnleyfc.com

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in