Burnley’s young striker Danny Ings cannot stop smiling. He is finally realising a long-held ambition - by passing on his skills, and more importantly - putting smiles on faces, writes Sky Sports News reporter Fraser Dainton.
We meet at Ridgewood Community High School, for the first of many free training sessions being held by the Danny Ings Disability Sports Project. Seven schools with special educational needs in the Burnley area will benefit, as well as a host of other local community projects.
Danny explains: “A couple of years ago, I got my picture taken with a young lad called Joseph Skinner, who I gave my boots to. Before I even got back in the changing room, the picture had gone viral. From that day on, it really inspired me to give my all back, and do as much as I can.
"I’m planning to cover as many disabilities as possible, giving them as much sports and football coaching as I can. Also, I’ll be creating Burnley’s first ever adult disability football team, to compete in the north-west league.”
Neil Hart, Burnley’s Head of Community, takes up the story: “Danny has been integral and is a key part moving forward. Our community staff will deliver the program and make it happen. I would hope over the course of the coming year that we would engage with between three and four hundred children, young people, and young adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. It’s going to touch a lot of lives - and for me that’s what Burnley football club is all about.”
These kinds of projects are never cheap - but Ings is funding the whole project himself, hoping that once it takes off, others will be forthcoming with help. Danny continues: “It’s not about the money, it’s about seeing the smiles on these faces - it means so much to me. Unfortunately these kids won’t have the career that I’ve got, so it’s important that I can make them a part of my journey.”
And while it’s clear everyone taking part in the session is happy, the mood among Burnley supporters has also lifted. Back to back Premier League wins has boosted player confidence, and the club are no longer bottom of the table.
Danny smiles again: “The training ground is a lot happier place at the moment. The performances have been fantastic. It’s like your own little mini league down there, you’re still competing against the best teams in the country, but you’ve got a lot more realistic chance than against the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United. It’s all down to momentum, form and confidence - and I think we’ve got all three at the moment.”
And he’s delighted to be back among the goals again. Having scored 26 times for the Clarets last season, goals have been hard to come by since promotion. But a brace against Stoke last weekend has him believing he’s now getting used to life in the top division.
He said: “I feel like I’m growing every week, every game, every minute I’m touching the ball. I’m starting to read the game a little bit better, I think that’s why I’m getting more chances in front of goal. Chances were hard to come by at the start of the season, but now I’m finding my feet, and things are going well.”
So there’s plenty to smile about in Burnley right now - but Danny Ings is justifiably happier than most.