Carl, from Cimla in Neath was presented with a golden boot award after working tirelessly to ensure young people have access to football boots and equipment when they can’t afford them.
The Boot Room was first set up by Carl in 2019. It aims to provide football boots to those in need.
The idea resulted from a conversation between parents about the cost of a sports kit. Carl was coaching for his son’s football club and he decided to launch the project, with the aim of ensuring that local community players are not prevented from participating in sport due to lack of equipment.
Initially on social media, the project now operates from more than 10 locations across Wales, providing a place for people to drop off and collect boots for free, and Carl works closely with clubs including Swansea City Football Club.
The initiative has also been extended to include ‘The Kit Room’ which repurposes old kits, allowing families in need to access kit and boots for their children.
Speaking about the special recognition for Carl, Michael Sheen said:
“When I heard about Carl and his brilliant boot room happening just up the road from me, I really wanted to make sure that I could be part of saying a big thank you to him.
“So I have got this box with a little surprise in it for him but I don’t want him to recognise me straight away, I am used to wearing costumes, today Michael you are going to be a motor cycle courier.”
While being “mystified” by the undercover actor, Carl Bradley opens the box to find a golden boot trophy.
A trophy typically given to leading goal scorers in football at the end of the season but now awarded to Carl for “being a top bloke” as said within the show.
Upon reading the engraving on the award, Michael Sheen removes his helmet to greet Carl and on behalf of BBC’s The One Show to say “a huge thank you for everything you are doing for the community through the boot room”.
Carl is moved to tears when his own children appear on the video.
Tune in to See The One Shows Community project of the year, Sunday 22nd Sept on BBC One Wales 18.05pm .
[Lead image: Carl Bradley]
