Tributes after shock death of award-winning Doncaster disability football boss

Darren Warner, who was manager of Club Doncaster Titans, died at the weekend after a long illness.

The football community, including Doncaster Rovers legend James Coppinger and a number of clubs, have paid tribute to Mr Warner, who set up the club so his autistic son Jordan could play football.

In 2019, he won the Unsung Hero for the BBC Yorkshire region at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

He created and ran Titans to offer football sessions for people with mental health conditions and those living with disabilities.

Coppinger said on Twitter: “I’m saddened by the news about Darren. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and everyone he inspired through his love and enthusiasm for life

@ClubDTitans.”

In a statement, Doncaster Rovers said: “Everyone at Doncaster Rovers, Club Doncaster Foundation and the wider Club Doncaster family were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Club Doncaster Titans’ founder Darren Warner over the weekend after a long illness.

“Darren was an exceptional man who did so much for the local community and, through his work with the Titans, brought football to hundreds of people across Doncaster who may never have had the chance to enjoy the sport without him.

“The Titans were founded so that Darren’s son, who has autism, and other girls and boys like him would always have a place to play football. The popularity of the Titans grew and grew, and now ensures that every child and adult with a disability or mental health conditions has a place to play football.

“In 2019, Darren’s incredible achievements with the Titans were recognised when he won the Unsung Hero award for the BBC Yorkshire region. He was invited down to London to appear on stage at the main awards evening but narrowly lost out on the main award.

“Darren worked tirelessly to make the Titans what is and never asked for anything in return and when Doncaster Rovers tried to surprise him in 2019 with a gift just for him, he asked if it could be something for the Titans. He leaves and incredible legacy behind and he will be sorely missed by everyone who came into contact with him.

“The thoughts of everyone at Club Doncaster are with Darren’s friends and family and this incredibly difficult time.

“We are all always and forever be #TeamTitans.”

After receiving news of his honour two year ago, Darren said: “I was gobsmacked – it’s nice to be recognised. To be nominated was a massive thing in itself but to actually win it … words can’t say enough for me.

“I don’t do it for awards, I do it for the kids and adults. It started because of my son, I was a parent getting involved because I wanted to get my son a game of football and that’s it. The reception we’ve had since starting in Doncaster and how much is grown in five years just shows how needed it was here.”