The Leeds United Foundation and former player Tony Dorigo were proud to present Lillie Rose with the Young Achiever of the Year Award at their inaugural Supporting Our City Awards on Wednesday evening.
Lillie Rose has been a part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme, an initiative being delivered by the club's official charity across various schools in the city.
Taking part in English interventions through Premier League Primary Stars at Five Lanes Primary School, Lillie has shown incredible determination and growth, and over the last year she has blossomed into a confident and enthusiastic learner who now tackles every challenge with a smile.
The progress Lillie has made with her education, and specifically English, through the Foundation has only been part of her journey, and what shines most through the work she has put in is the belief she now has in herself.
With the encouragement and opportunities provided by the Leeds United Foundation, Lillie has also now joined the girls-only football ASC – something she had never tried before.
Hollie Roddis, a coach from the Leeds United Foundation who helps deliver the Premier League Primary Stars initiative, said: “We go into many schools across Leeds and the wider areas, delivering many sessions in PE, Active English, Active Maths, afterschool clubs, and girls-only football clubs as well.
“The school identified Lillie Rose as someone who could have a bit of extra help in English and confidence, so we created the Active English group, and I’ve worked with her every week all the way until July, so she’s had a full academic school year with me.
“At the start of the year Lillie Rose was very shy and timid, so we worked with her every week, and we just brought up her confidence and from that we’ve seen her flying.
“Every week she’s been getting more and more involved, putting her hands up for questions and it’s been great to see her flourish, and even though she’s one of the youngest in the girls-only football club, she’s absolutely smashing it."
The work of the Leeds United Foundation has been key in helping Lillie Rose discover her confidence, grow her skills, and believe in what she can achieve. She has shown everyone how courage, hard work, and positivity can change not only your learning but your whole outlook on life.
From all at Leeds United, we’d like to congratulate Lillie Rose on her award and thank her for her contributions to the Leeds United Foundation.
We’d also like to thank Zufar Hussain, who has been highly commended for this award.
