Volunteer
Duncan
Volunteers are at the heart of The Spartans Community Football Academy supporting us to deliver social impact in the community of North Edinburgh. Duncan's story is inspirational and we are proud to have been a part of his recovery from a severe brain injury. We are delighted that he is now teaching yoga at The Academy helping others in the community stay active and healthy.
"I love the place. I love the people. I love helping out and I love talking about football!"
Road to recovery
"Eleven years ago I suffered a brain injury. I was in a coma and when I regained consciousness I was like a baby. I had to learn how to do everything again. My brother said that I should volunteer at The Spartans Community Football Academy. He knew they were looking for volunteers. I thought it was a great idea. I needed a bunch of people to hang about with and talk to. I would help out with whatever needed done ─ mostly clearing up after people had been training.
Sometimes I couldn't remember which order to brush and mop, but The Academy was always there to help me. I’ve been doing yoga, and it has really helped my recovery, and I've been learning more and more. I had an idea about doing yoga at The Academy. Douglas thought it was a good idea too ─ so I started a 'come and try class'. Doing the class is really important for me as I think that I would like to be a yoga instructor in the future.”
"Duncan is The Spartans Community Football Academy’s longest serving volunteer. He’s been with us since we started in 2008. He’s such an inspiration. His recovery has been amazing, and we are privileged to have been a part of that journey. He is always smiling and positive and that enthusiasm rubs off on all of us."
