Toolstation NCEL Division One side Worsbrough Bridge Athletic have announced a partnership with The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation for the 2021/22 season.The charity was set up in memory of Daniel who died in 2016, aged 24, whilst playing the game he loved from an underlying heart condition called Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC).
Its aim is to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in the young and to provide funding towards heart screening, defibrillators and CPR/defibrillator training, primarily for grassroots sporting teams.
Mark Booth, chairman of the Briggers who have also had links with Barnsley Hospital Charity and Barnsley Samaritans, said: "Over recent years, our football club has actively supported several worthwhile charities to try and help raise awareness and we want to continue this next season with our support for the foundation set up in Daniel’s memory.
"As a Barnsley based football club, we know how important football was to Daniel as he played for one of our neighbours at Shaw Lane FC.
"Our first team away team kit will next season promote the great work that the foundation plays in raising awareness of SCD.
"SCD is the leading cause of death in young athletes during sport and the majority of deaths occur with no prior symptoms or family history.
"Our aim is to help to support Daniel’s Foundation to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death in the young and we look forward to working them with as a member of the Northern Counties East Football League to raise awareness of this condition.
"We want to thank the Daniel Wilkinson Foundation for allowing us to work with them."
The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation also released a statement, saying: "The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation very much appreciate the opportunity to partner Worsbrough Bridge AFC in raising awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death in the young.
"Originally from Hull, Daniel was to settle in Sheffield and play his football in Barnsley for Shaw Lane AFC.
"We are very passionate about raising awareness of hidden conditions such as Daniel’s and working with Worsbrough Bridge AFC can only help.
"Thanks go to Mark Booth and the Club for approaching us with the offer of this partnership for the 2021/22 season."
If you want to find out more about The Daniel Wilkinson Foundation,
click here to check out their website.