Future Star nominee – Grace Thomas

Future Star nominee – Grace Thomas

When eight-year-old Grace Thomas first started attending Port Vale Foundation sessions she struggled with her confidence. Now she is like a different girl.

She has been nominated in the Future Star category of the Your Heroes Awards by Will Turner, Director of Community and CSR at Port Vale Football Club, who says Grace is a true inspiration and role model.

He said: “Grace would often stand by the wall, overwhelmed and nervous, sometimes in tears. However, with remarkable determination, she has transformed into a confident, enthusiastic and active participant.

“Grace now engages fully in sessions, including our Premier League Kicks session and Wednesday Girls Skills centre session. She communicates openly with staff, speaks confidently on camera and takes every opportunity to get involved.

“Her resilience has shone through even when faced with setbacks. After narrowly missing out in the PVFC girls trial session Grace has remained positive and continued to attend our sessions with the same energy and commitment.

“This determination is a testament to her character and highlights the potential she has to inspire others. At Easter, she was given the opportunity to be a mascot at the Foundation Takeover Day- a reward for her consistent effort, dedication and growth.

“Grace embodies everything the Future Star Award represents from exceptional enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the qualities of a future role model. Grace is proof of how sport can transform confidence, resilience and self-belief.”