Evan was presented with his Premier League Kicks Participant award from Wigan Athletic defender Tom Pearce.

Evan Sephton was presented with the Premier League Kicks Participant award by Latics defender Tom Pearce.
Through the programme, Evan has inspired other young people with disabilities to take part in sport.
Evan: "Going to the Kicks sessions has helped me with my Dyspraxia and with my disability, it feels amazing to win the award."

Following his diagnosis of Dyspraxia as a youngster, Evan Sephton found it difficult to take part in mainstream sport until he became involved with Wigan Athletic Community Trust's Premier League Kicks disability sessions.

The 16-year old has taken part in sessions for over two years at Wigan Youth Zone which have allowed him to enjoy a number of opportunites as well as building a platform to inspire other young people with disabilities to enjoy and participate in sport.

As part of the Premier League Charitable Fund's ten year anniversary, the Community Trust are this week celebrating the achievements of individuals, like Evan, for their impact on Premier League funded programmes.

A big Latics fan too, Evan was presented with his award through a surprise visit from defender Tom Pearce last week, and a moment that made the youngster's day.

He said: "It feels amazing to win the award, I love going to the Kicks sessions and I have been going for a couple of years now. I've met new friends and it's helped with my Dyspraxia and helped with my disabilty too.

"I met Tom Pearce which I didn't expect to see him at my front door, but getting the award was amazing and overall it's been a really great day."

Dad, Darren, who has also followed Latics for a number of years says the award is thanks to the positive impact the club's award-winning charity has had on his son’s development.

"It's great for Evan to get some recognition, he's done so much through Premier League Kicks. The Community Trust have really helped him at the start with his disability, where he struggled to participate in sport" Darren said.

"It's great he's been recognised with this award but none of it would have been possbile without the Community Trust.

"It was lovely to see Tom and for him to give up his personal time, see Evan and present the award, it was fantastic. We follow Latics home and away so we see the guys every week so it was lovely for him to come."

The Trust's Premier League Kicks programme works with thousands of young people aged 8-18 each year in local areas to create stronger, safer and more inclusive communities through offering free access to weekly football, dance and sports sessions.

For more information on the Premier League Kicks programme please contact Wigan Athletic Community Trust's Kicks Coordinator, Rachel Scott, by emailing r.scott@wiganathletic.com, or calling 01942 318090.

Premier League Charitable Fund 10-Year Anniversary Awards | Evan Sephton