Last week, as part of York City FC’s Disability Week, supporter Dennis Chadwick was invited down to the LNER Community Stadium to sit down with volunteer Lewis about his role at the club. This was Dennis’ takeaway from the day…
“On the 21st of November this year, I was invited to York City Football Club to interview Lewis Wilkinson. I was asked by Steve Dorey – YCFC’s Development Officer – asked me about interviewing Lewis. I made my way to the LNER Stadium along with: myself, Lewis, Lewis’s Mum (Clare) and Steve himself.
“The purpose of the interview was to ask Lewis various questions about his voluntary work at YCFC! I asked how he got his work at the Stadium. He emailed the Stadium asking if he could get involved in some work. Lewis told me that he loves getting involved in selling programmes and seeing people to their seats before the home match begins. I gathered from his facial expressions that he loves every moment of it: he also pointed out that it makes him feel very happy and that he loves to help other people. He went onto say that he feels part of the community there and has made quite a few friends there too!
“Another interesting part of the interview: Lewis now is involved in playing football for York City Foundation. I asked him if he enjoyed it, he said that he loved it. However, he also told me that he has a very busy training sessions that he does on Fridays. Lewis told me that each session last about one hour which demanded a few exercises and all that! Steve asked Lewis various questions as well. One of which: “Who is your favourite player at the stadium?” To which Lewis replied: “Ollie Pearce.” Funnily enough, Steve asked me a question. Which was, “Is there anything you’d like to do at the stadium, Denis? I replied: “I would like to do some commentating at a home game.” Dennis was then given the chance to commentate on last weekend’s match against Aldershot Town alongside York Hospital Radio.
“I would like to add that it was a real pleasure to do the interview with Lewis. I would also like to thank Steve Dorey for arranging everything which made it a very enjoyable afternoon.”