While completing his A-levels, Damola began volunteering at sessions and gained his Level 1 and Level 2 coaching badges, taking his first steps into mentoring young people in the same community he grew up in. Since then, his connection to the programme has only grown.
Damola has now been involved with Premier League Kicks for around 18 years, first as a participant and now as a Casual Coach, supporting sessions at venues a stone's throw away from Selhurst Park including Legacy Youth Zone and Merky FC HQ.
Away from the pitch, Damola has built a career in education and now works as a teacher, holding senior roles within his school, but he has always stayed connected to the programme that helped shape his path.
Through Premier League Kicks, Damola supports young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including displaced and refugee participants, helping create a positive space where they can play football, build confidence and feel part of their community.
Since launching in 2006, the programme has used the power of football to support young people in communities across the country, offering free sessions that help them develop confidence, build friendships and make positive life choices.