The Amateur FA are delighted to share the news that Levin Dookhun has been named as the winner of the Joel Richards Inspire Award for 2023.

Presented by The FA National Youth Council, the award celebrates an exceptional youth leader who has made a positive impact within their community and continues to inspire positive change for themselves, others and the game. It was created to recognise and celebrate the life of Joel Richards who was tragically killed in the fatal mass-shooting attacks in Tunisia on 26 June 2015. Joel was an extremely talented young leader, always looking to support the development of others, creating opportunities for young people to get involved in the game.

Levin, who won the Amateur FA Young Volunteer of the Year award at our recent Recognition Awards, is involved with Estudiantes FC and has been instrumental in helping the club develop their inclusion football team. Levin has inspired 15 other young people with special educational needs to take part in football through creating a positive environment where young people can grow in confidence and enjoy their football. Levin has volunteered a lot of his time to facilitate, officiate, coach, and lead football and futsal provision for others at Estudiantes, standing out because of his commitment and willingness to provide opportunities for others. He has recently progressed to securing paid work, demonstrating how volunteering can help open up further opportunities for someone.

Levin was in attendance at The FA Leadership Academy graduation ceremony on 25 July 2023, where he received his award from Tom Bowkett (a friend of Joel’s) and Donna Muxworthy-McIvor (Senior National Development Manager at The FA).

The Amateur FA, alongside Estudiantes FC, are extremely proud of Levin and his achievements and wholeheartedly welcome the recognition he has received. Congratulations Levin!