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Darren Weaver      

Highly Commended

Darren Weaver achieved a first class honours degree in Youth and Community Work at the University of Huddersfield in June 2010, aged forty. Darren left school at 16 with CSEs and became a mechanic. He then worked at a foundry opposite Huddersfield Polytechnic, and often envied the people studying there.

Darren was a referee and coach for children’s football. He became concerned about the over-coaching of children and the highly competitive ethos of the game. From a fellow volunteer, he discovered the profession of youth work and the course at the University of Huddersfield. Darren used his university dissertation to explore the topic of children and competitive football. He interviewed the Minister for Sport and conducted focus groups with sixty children.

As a qualified Youth and Community worker Darren now has the opportunity to positively affect the lives of hundreds of young people. He says 'Every young person I have encountered has been encouraged to strive forward in their personal development to become good citizens within their communities.'

Yorkshire & Humber Adult Learners' Week is coordinated by Involve Yorkshire & Humber. Adult Learners' Week Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the life-changing learning done by people in communities all over Yorkshire and Humber, and the central role of the voluntary and community sector in supporting learning.

'Every young person I have encountered has been encouraged to strive forward in their personal development to become good citizens within their communities.'

Nominated by
Helen Jones
University of Huddersfield (School of Education)