The 22-year-old, who scored twice in the Clarets’ win over Stoke City at the weekend, created the 'Danny Ings Disability Sport Project' earlier this year to provide football coaching to disabled children and those with learning difficulties throughout the Burnley area.
And he was at Ridgewood Community High School in the Lancashire town on Tuesday to oversee the project’s full launch with some of those who will ultimately benefit in the future.
Ings launches his charity project in Burnley
"It’s something that’s been a long time coming," revealed Ings, who has funded the project from the outset across seven different special educational needs schools. He has also formed the first ever adult disability football team in Burnley to compete in the North West League.
"I wanted to do it last year, but with all of the games in the Championship, it wasn’t possible.
"So I sat down in the summer with the Burnley FC In The Community lads, who have been fantastic, and we came up with this project and I’m just happy that it’s launched.
"It’s not about the money for me, it’s about seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces, that’s what means the most to me and that’s why I want to give as much back as I can.
"Unfortunately these kids won’t be able to have the career that I’ve got, so supporting them and making them part of the journey in my career means a lot."
Ings scores for England at Turf Moor
The former AFC Bournemouth striker has always been keen on charity and community work during his time at Turf Moor, where he also bagged a brace for England against Portugal earlier this month.
He reportedly donated a large amount of cash towards a fundraiser for Cancer on an impromptu visit to a local supermarket earlier this year.
But it was when the Championship Player Of The Year was photographed donating his boots to a young Burnley fan following a game at Turf Moor in 2013, when his interest in working with the community was brought into the public eye.
"A couple of years ago, after a game against Ipswich, there was a young lad called Joe Skinner who I gave my boots to," he explained.
Ings was pictured with young Burnley fan Joseph Skinner in May 2013
"The look on his face inspired me and before I’d got into the changing rooms that day it had gone viral. So from that day on it has really inspired me to give my all back and do as much as I can to work with disabled youngsters.
"I’m planning to cover as many disabilities as I can and give them as much support and football coaching as I can.
"I'm a better player than a coach, but I want to do my bit and spend some time with the kids."
For more information on the Danny Ings Disability Sports Project, please e-mail community@burnleyfc.com
