Walsall Football Club right-back Ben Purkiss, and former goalkeeper, coach and Community Scheme founder Mick Kearns have both taken up roles in the club's community scheme as the organisation goes from strength to strength.
Community Director, Adam Davy, who took over the scheme from founder Mick Kearns in 2013, spoke to Saddlers.co.uk about the news, he said; “At the end of 2014 I found myself in the situation of needing to name a new Patron for our community scheme. The decision was very easy for me to make and I was honoured to be able to ask Mick to be the Patron of our Community Programme.
“Having worked with Mick for 20 years I saw first-hand how he had started the scheme in 1989 and led it forward to 2013 when I took over from him.
“Mick has such a fantastic reputation as a player and legend of the club and it is a well-known fact that Mick created a Community Department that is seen as a huge asset to the club. The scheme is a big reason why Walsall FC is proudly seen as a ‘community club’ and Mick’s efforts over his time here were well-documented at the announcement of his retirement in 2013. I am proud to be able to ask him to be the Patron and really pleased that he said yes.”
Speaking to Saddlers.co.uk, Mick, who founded the scheme in 1989, said; “Adam approached me at the end of 2013 and asked if I would become the new Patron for the scheme,” recalled Kearns. “Adam has worked hard as my replacement and is doing a great job. As Patron I will be on hand to offer any help and advice I can give him when he needs it. It’s an honour to have been asked and I was more than happy to accept the offer.”
Also speaking to Saddlers.co.uk, Ben, who has taken the role of 'Community Player Ambassador' said: “As a professional footballer I enjoy the responsibility of being a role-model and to link that up by being the Ambassador for the Community Scheme is an exciting prospect for me.
“I have volunteered my time to link up with the scheme and its staff to visit projects they are running around the town and add my support to the fantastic work that goes on in the Walsall area.
“The visit to the school last week was an interesting one and hopefully the children and staff found the session inspiring and helpful for the children’s school work.
“I am looking forward to spending the rest of the season supporting the Community Department.”