Bristol-based sport fans are feeling 'proud' after Parke Knowle Football Club's Mike Alden scooped an award at the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year 2022 awards. Mike, who set up club in south Bristol a decade ago, won the Unsung Hero Award at the ceremony this evening (Wednesday, December 21).
Mike - who has been involved in community football for the past 25-years - won the award which celebrates volunteers who make an impact in their community by encouraging people to get involved in grassroot sport. The Bristol resident was born with brittle bone disease - but the genetic condition certainly doesn't stop him from reaching for the stars.
Accepting the award, Mike said: "The club, we pride ourselves on our disability side of sport. Everybody should be included in everything. We have 40 players with so many different disabilities and we manage to cater for all of them.
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"With our youth teams, we've got kids as young as seven ranging up to 15. About 120 play every week. You never know one day one of them might be sat there. That's what we aim for. Thank you very much."
Viewers have praised Mike for his efforts with Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, saying the city 'is so proud' of him - as well as Becca Todd who was also shortlisted.
In a statement on Twitter, Marvin Rees wrote: "Congratulations to Becca Todd from Team Brave and Mike Alden from [Park Knowle FC] for being shortlisted for [BBC SPOTY's] Unsung Hero award – Bristol is so proud of you both."
Twitter user, @SelfKaz wrote: "Well done to Mike Alden from [Park Knowle FC] for winning the unsung hero award and showing football can be inclusive to all." Park Knowle FC posted a photograph of Bristol locals, all of whom gathered at the club to watch the awards show.
Following his victory, Facebook users were quick to praise Mike for all he has done for the club. Commenting on Park Knowle FC's post, Beth Hughes wrote: "Well done Mike! Second I heard your name for the winner I had tears out my eyes! Amazing speech. Beyond proud of you and the park."
Denise Fairburn Peace said: "Congratulations Mike and all at the Club. What an inspiration."
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