HE lives and breathes football and has championed a scheme to allow disabled youths to play the game – now this sporting hero is in line for a top award.

Over the past four years, Paul Bird has helped create a disabled section at the community-driven Copmanthorpe Football Club.

Since last July, he has also headed the North Yorkshire Centre of Excellence for Disabled Football, which is backed by funds from the Football Association.

Based at the Oaklands Sports Centre in Acomb, the Centre of Excellence is one of 19 such centres nationwide offering football for the disabled at under-14 and under-17 level.

The centre gives those would-by players across the various areas of disability the chance to have a kickabout. Those who take part may be visually impaired or blind, hearing impaired and deaf, amputees, or suffer from cerebral palsy or learning difficulties.

Paul – who says he believes playing football should be open to everyone – was also at the forefront of establishing a girls’ team at Copmanthorpe FC seven years ago.

His efforts have earned him a nomination in the Sporting Hero category of The Press’s Community Pride Awards.

However, it is not one of his players, colleagues or the grateful parents of the youths he has helped who nominated him– but a virtual stranger.

At an Active York City Wide Sports Forum meeting, Paul gave a speech on training needs for the disabled, and a member of the audience was so touched by the sporting champion’s dedication to his cause that he felt compelled to put him forward for the award.

Local cricket coach Bob Paddington said: “I had never met him or even heard of him before that night, but he gave the most enthusiastic, interesting, informative and inspiring talk about work for the disabled.

“Nothing seemed too difficult for this young man to handle – every minute of his time outside of work seemed devoted to working for soccer and the disabled.

“He must be specially gifted in character, temperament, patience and kindness.”

If you think you know a hero who deserves recognition in our Community Pride Awards – run in conjunction with City of York Council – then we would love to hear from you.

Fill in the coupon attached to this article alongside a (non-returnable) picture of your nominee, plus any other information, to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or email us at editor@thepress.co.uk or jennifer.bell@thepress.co.uk