Young people working with Derby community group Living Derwent, won the best screenplay category at the First Light Film Awards for their short film ‘The Loneliness of a Spot-kick Penalty Taker’.

First Light is the UK Film Council’s young people’s film-making initiative and is funded by the National Lottery.

‘The Loneliness of a Spot-kick Penalty Taker’ focuses on the life of a youngster suffering at the hands of an abusive father who tries to prevent him from becoming a footballer.

The lead role is played by 16-year-old Chris Bell, a pupil at da Vinci Community College, Breadsall Hilltop, Chaddesden.

“Although the idea for the film was not based on real-life characters, the theme of bullying, football and following your dreams was something we were all interested in,” he says.

The six 16-year-olds who made the five-minute film are members of the Derwent Youth Inclusion Project which works with people at risk of being excluded from education.

Sue Law, The FA’s Head of Equality and Child Protection, says that it’s another example of raising awareness of child protection issues. “I’m delighted that these youngsters even thought about tackling the subject in the first place as it is such an emotive subject.

“Our Goal campaign is all about doing things the right way, therefore allowing children to enjoy the game without abuse of any kind.

"That means bullying, physical, emotional or sexual abuse and neglect. Football has a powerful positive influence on children, and this film obviously emphasises that message. I congratulate them on their achievement and wish them well in the future.”

Jon Woodward, Derbyshire County FA’s Football Development Officer, is delighted by the award. “It’s great to see that through the power of football, important social issues are being addressed and highlighted.

"Through the project, the youngsters have dealt with an area that is being taken very seriously by The FA and the football community as a while, and offered a realistic view through the eyes of the youth of today.

“I congratulate them all on their achievement and recognition, and hope they continue to highlight and focus on the issues involved with child protection – both in and outside of sport – and build on their success and hard work.”