A FOOTBALL coach from Wrexham is doing his bit to raise awareness during the Football V Homophobia Month of Action by committing to getting a special tattoo inked.

Delwyn Derrick is well-known throughout the Wrexham area and beyond for what he has done with Bellevue FC since the club formed in 2017.

The club was the first league-registered, multi-ethnic and inclusion-specific football team in Wales.

Its ethos is to encourage community cohesion, including working alongside campaigns such as Football vs Homophobia and Show Racism the Red Card, North Wales Police.

Coach Delwyn is a huge inspiration to many having won several awards for his efforts to promote inclusion in football.

As well as that, the 34-year-old has overcome sepsis and had a tumour removed during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Now, in his latest attempt to raise awareness of ongoing issues within the beautiful game, he has decided to get a 'Football v Homophobia' tattoo done.

Delwyn took to Twitter on Thursday, February 3, to give his views on Football V Homophobia month. In his message he said that, if he managed to get 28 Re-Tweets on that post, he would get a tattoo to help raise awareness.

He hit his target within just a few hours. However, he admits he probably would have got the tattoo done regardless of whether or not he had reached it.

His Tweet is estimated to have reached around 50,000 people through the Re-Tweets it received.

Speaking to The Leader about why the campaign is so important to him, Delwyn said: "In the past I've been guilty of not understanding enough or being a bit ignorant. But through getting involved with groups such as Wrexham Pride, I've learnt so much and I feel that it's important to spread the word and pass knowledge onto others.

"People often say that football reflects society, but I think it speaks volumes that there is currently only one openly-gay footballer playing in the world right now. I don't think it is seen as a safe space for gay males in particular and there are so many more steps which can be taken within the game.

The Leader:

PIC: Delwyn Derrick has become a well-known figure in the football community since Bellevue FC formed in 2017. PIC: S4C

"Football v Homophobia is such an important cause and, although progress has been made in society, I do feel there is much more that can be done within the game. We are a very inclusive club at Bellevue, but we have not yet had a gay man take to the field for us.

"When that day comes, I will be immensely proud to have that man wear the shirt. We do have, I believe, two lesbians and one bisexual woman playing in our women's team."

Delwyn, who already has a number of tattoos, will be getting his Football v Homophobia one done on his calf in the coming weeks.

He said: "I'm not sure who will be doing it for me yet, so if anyone wants to help me out do get in touch with me on Twitter (@delwynderrick)!

"It's always filled me with pride every time I pull that Bellevue shirt on for what we have achieved in the community over the years.

"But a football career can be short and I very rarely play these days, only in friendlies. So getting a tattoo done and a message engraved is something that will last forever.

"I believe that if something is worth shouting about, then it should be shouted about everyday and this will just reflect that."

Delwyn, affectionately known as ‘Sheep’, has set another Twitter challenge to his followers ahead of Football v Transphobia in November. 41 Re-Tweets will see him get another tattoo done for that campaign.

The Leader:

PIC: Members of Bellevue FC.

Both he and Bellevue have won several awards for their efforts over the years and, just last year, he was awarded the Culture and Sport prize at the prestigious St David’s Awards to add yet another accolade to that ever-growing list.

Delwyn says that the club has experience a 'growth spurt' despite the Covid-19 pandemic and is looking to introduce a reserves team in 22/23, adding to the women's side it established in 2021.