Our April Community Hero, in partnership with Fosters Solicitors, is Oliver Cruickshank, chosen as part of our Junior Canaries takeover day.
Oliver, 8, was selected as our hero for the Burnley fixture from nominations on our website sent in by our fans.
Oliver’s dad and football coach, Adam Cruickshank, chose to put the young Canary fan forward because of his ever-positive attitude at Watton Junior Football Club and his eagerness to welcome others in.
“Every time we get a new player Oliver always goes out of his way to get them settled, doing some passing with them, speaking to them, getting them used to playing and he gradually builds them into the team.
“He sets a good example playing for our team, because he’s so encouraging and polite, even to the opposition. He plays with a smile on his face the whole time.
Oliver has been playing for his club for over three years and is following in the footsteps of his dad, who started his playing career there and has recently been elected as chairman of the club.
Oliver was particularly proud to share his dad’s new role with us.
“My dad is my inspiration because he is a great coach and makes our football really fun. I love playing as part of the team here.
“It’s important to make the new starters feel welcome because it helps them settle into our team as sometimes it can be scary trying new things and I want them to enjoy football.”
At the end of the club’s season last year, Oliver was voted for as this season’s captain due to his infectious attitude, his hard work on and off the pitch and his ways of keeping morale high at the club.
Adam added, “If we could have an ounce of him in every child, it would be awesome. He’s just a lovely boy to have around the club.”
Oliver’s team also managed to raise £185 for the Captain Tom 100 challenge last year, scoring 100 goals in one training session.
Oliver and his family will be attending the Burnley match – we hope you enjoy the game!
If you would like to nominate someone to become one of our Community Heroes, visit our web page here.