Former FA Premier League Chairman Sir Dave Richards took time out to visit the Empress Buildings in Mexborough this week to meet staff and service users of the Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre (DVPDC), which is based here.
The former chairman of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club was invited by new owner of the Empress Buildings Jason Mace, managing director of Gala Tent, to help secure further support and funding for the charity.
Jason is also a Trustee of the DVPDC, which supports young people by providing a variety of health, fitness and outdoor pursuit activities, raises aspirations and helps them to take a positive pathway for the future.
Sir Dave got the chance to meet founder of the DVPDC John Irwin, former Featherweight boxing champion who won the Gold medal at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand.
John introduced him to a number of young people who are aiming to make positive changes in their lives through sports activity and education at the centre. Sir David also met British boxing Bantamweight champion Josh Wale from Barnsley who regularly volunteers with the project to coach the young people in boxing techniques, as well as health and fitness. He was also introduced to Ricky Hunt, curriculum manager at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club who visited Dearne Valley Partnership to meet the trustees of the charity to see if there were any opportunities for joint working opportunities between the club and the charity.
Sir David Richards said: “I was very impressed with the good work that Dearne Valley Partnership does with young people. It is organisations like this that fill the gap between school and finding employment, putting young people on the right path and getting them ready for work. I applaud the good work of John and Jackie Irwin and their team of volunteers. Funding is a big issue for them though and they really need local business support to help them to continue their great work.”
Empress building owner Jason Mace said: “It was a real privilege to invite Sir Dave to take a look at the great work that John and Jackie Irwin do at the Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre. They do need more public funding to ensure they can carry on with their essential work in helping young people to overcome any issues they may have, whilst gaining skills and real qualifications. We are appealing to any businesses or local sports people to get in touch if they are able to offer support, however small.”
Nine months ago Jason Mace acquired the iconic Empress Buildings in Mexborough and has ambitious plans for its future. Jason is investing £150k to refurbishment the former ballroom and dance hall into a hub of business, health and community activity.
John Irwin, Trustee/Manager at Dearne Valley Personal Development Centre, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Sir David to come and have a look at what we do at our centre. We have so many success stories of where we have helped young people to turn their lives around through boxing and fitness and helping them to develop a positive attitude to work.”
