When David Owens joined Liverpool FC Foundation’s Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award programme, spending a night away from home felt daunting. He had never done it before, and the expedition would take him well outside his comfort zone.

David comes from a large family of twelve and has sometimes found maintaining regular school attendance challenging. The expedition represented more than a significant step outside of his comfort zone and was one of the biggest challenges he had ever faced.

However, rather than allowing those fears to hold him back, David embraced the opportunity and quickly began to flourish. Over the two-day expedition, David became someone the whole group could rely on. He emerged as a natural leader within the group, becoming someone that others looked to for guidance and support.

His map-reading skills quickly impressed his fellow participants, who trusted him to lead their navigation. In the hot weather, he carefully checked routes and helped find a shorter way, keeping the group moving and supporting them through the challenge.

David also pitched his own tent, learnt to cook on a camping stove and helped others, including his sister. When someone struggled, he was there with encouragement or a helping hand.

Alongside his growing confidence, David’s sense of humour shone through. Talking about his dream of joining the Royal Navy, he joked that he wasn’t sure he could because he “can’t swim underwater without goggles!”

By the end of the expedition, there was a common message from both participants and leaders alike: David had become an outstanding leader. Throughout the two days, he was a rock for those around him, providing support, encouragement and stability whenever it was needed most.

Over six months, David learnt new skills, became more independent and discovered his ability to lead and support others.

What began as an unfamiliar challenge became an experience, he could feel proud of. Now with his Bronze Award completed, David is preparing for the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, and ready to put those skills to use on his next adventure

Congratulations David and keep up the amazing work!