Millwall Football Club is renowned for having a bad name within the sport, as their supporters regularly sing, “No-one likes us, but we don’t care, because we’re Millwall.” But in actual fact, they do care. This is clearly displayed by the actions of Richard White, of the Millwall Community Trust (MCT).

Richard White grew up in East Dulwich, in the borough of Southwark. In his early teenage years, Richard was a youth at Chelsea FC’s School of Excellence, before stints at Brentford, Welling, Dulwich Hamlet, Crawley and Tooting and Mitcham. Injuries were the primary reason for his career ending prematurely, leading to Richard joining the MCT as a casual coach in the summer of 2000. The rest, as they say, is history.

Fifteen years down the line, Richard White is now the Community Development and Health Improvement Manager of the MCT. He has had several different roles, but the transition to being one of the faces of the Trust has been relatively smooth for the local man. Growing up, Richard’s commitment on the football pitch was often seen as his downfall; he was regarded as a ‘risky player’. Now, that passion and tireless exuberance is paying off.

Schools Coaching and Sports Participation Manager, Lou Newstead, said, “He’s everything that the Trust is about. With Richard, what you see, is what you get. You couldn’t ask for a better role model.”

Football now becomes a regular seven days a week fixture for Richard. Saturday’s are set aside for his beloved Millwall, where he and his two boys attend every home game. Alongside his job at the Trust, he manages Fisher FC under 15s, who his older son plays for. Since the experienced coach took over, the team has had a miraculous upturn in fortune, with some youngsters having trials at professional clubs.

One specific story Richard looks back upon fondly is that of Harvey Brown. In Southwark News, Harvey’s family appealed for support of their petition for the NHS to start funding treatment of the ultra-rare disease, Morquio, in the hope of prolonging their son’s life.

Richard believed his role at Millwall could greatly benefit the family and therefore offered his help. After Richard and the club got on board, the petition soared to over 11,000 signatures, meaning that it could be taken to the Government. Subsequently leading to the vital medicine being granted following Harvey’s case. This brave little boy has since become an ambassador of the MCT and regularly attends sessions.

In early 2016, Richard started walking sports with older people programme. After a slow start, participation levels are now into double figures, several with limited mobility and, astoundingly, some suffering from dementia. Richard regards this widely as his favourite, most rewarding session.

Line Manager of Millwall Kicks, Gary Otim, said, “He’s worked with young people over the years, myself included, but is now working with older people too, showing he genuinely is the man of his community and speaks volumes of his character.”

The session begins with tea and biscuits, whilst reading the local paper, before heading outside to partake in various sporting activities. It’s evident that a real bond has been made between everyone in attendance.

Participant, Mavis, said, “If it wasn’t for Richard, my life would probably be a little worse. To my mind, he’s a saint.”