Future Star nominee – Zac Parry

Future Star nominee – Zac Parry

Zac Parry has been described as a role model for everyone who meets him. He has a learning disability but has never allowed it to be a barrier to success.

He started attending Port Vale Foundation sessions at the age of 10 and now, at the age of 17, has signed for the club’s U18 Disability Football Team and joined the Football and Education squad after leaving school.

Zac has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards by Will Turner, Community and CSR Director at Port Vale FC.

Will said: “Zac’s journey with Port Vale Foundation is a shining example of what happens when ability is placed before disability. He is not just a participant; he is a role model, a valued member of our community and a true embodiment of everything our programmes stand for. We hope his journey continues with us long into the future.”

In March Zac represented the Port Vale Foundation at the mainstream Premier League Kicks tournament at Aston Villa, reaching the semi-finals with passion and resilience. In July he reached the semi-finals at the Disability Festival, showing consistency and determination.

Will added: “What can we not say about Zac! He is Port Vale through and through – a role model for everyone who meets him. Zac has a learning disability, but he has never allowed this to be a barrier. He first joined Port Vale Foundation programmes at the age of 10 and has embraced every opportunity since. His journey shows just what can be achieved with passion, resilience and determination.

“This summer, a former Foundation staff member visiting one of our camps immediately recognised Zac from his early days. That moment of connection highlighted exactly what makes Zac special, he leaves a lasting impression on everyone he meets through his warmth, his enthusiasm and his willingness to engage – whether that’s with a hello, a thumbs up or sharing his love of football.

“Over the past seven years, Zac has participated in the majority of our Premier League Kicks sessions and has also served as a ball squad member on matchdays. This year has been particularly remarkable for him.”