At Pride Park FC, our community is powered by the passion, dedication, and time of our volunteers. But stepping up isn't always an easy decision—especially when juggling family, work, and life commitments.

We sat down with Blanca de la Parra, our Club Welfare Officer, to chat about her journey, how she overcame her initial hesitations, and why volunteering with our club has been one of her most rewarding experiences yet.

Finding a Place in the Pride Park Family
Blanca first joined the Pride Park FC family when her daughter started playing for the U8s team. It didn't take long for her to fall in love with the club's welcoming and supportive environment.

"To me, Pride Park FC is a place where the girls can find a supportive community that loves playing football and respects each other," Blanca explains. "It’s a space where communication flows, everyone is included, and every voice is listened to."

However, when an opportunity arose to step into an official volunteer role, Blanca had her doubts about whether she could fit it into her schedule: "I definitely had initial hesitations—who wouldn’t? With two small children and a demanding job, I was very unsure at first. But when I realised that no one else was stepping up and that the club couldn’t operate without a Welfare Officer, I took a few days to think."

What ultimately tipped the scales was seeing the dedication of the other volunteers, alongside the sheer joy her daughter and teammates get from playing.
"I knew I had to step forward. Although it can be challenging at times, I have no regrets. I love supporting the kids, and I’m proud to contribute to a community where girls can develop their passion for football."

Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Welfare Officer
So, what does a Club Welfare Officer actually do?
Behind the scenes, Blanca works hard to ensure all administrative and safeguarding requirements are met—most importantly keeping DBS checks up to date so that everyone working with our young players is properly cleared and motivated for the right reasons. Blanca also provides advice to the Committee and is the club's primary contact on all issues relating to safeguarding.

On matchdays, Blanca trades her admin hat for a supporter's scarf, though her primary focus remains the well-being of the players, referees, and families: "While I cheer for my daughter, I also wear my welfare officer hat. I make sure all the children are treated respectfully, that parents don’t put too much pressure on their kids, and that referees are respected. My role is to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone."

And all that hard work pays off. For Blanca, the highlight of the year comes at the annual Club Fun Day: "I loved helping out with the Fun Day and seeing the girls’ faces light up as they collect their trophies is incredibly rewarding and always puts a big smile on my face."

Growth, Learning, and Community Connection
Volunteering isn't a one-way street—it gives back just as much as it takes. For Blanca, taking on the role opened up new skills in communication, organisation, and child welfare that she hadn't previously considered. Beyond personal and professional development, it strengthened her roots in the local Derby community: "This role has helped me connect with other parents—I’ve made new friends and built strong relationships. Being involved has boosted my well-being and given me a real sense of purpose."

It hasn't been without its steep learning curves. Blanca candidly recalls an early lesson when an administrative delay with a DBS check meant a team briefly missed out on a match. Rather than letting it defeat her, she used the moment to sharpen her processes, turning herself into a reliable, approachable pillar for coaches and parents alike.

What Makes Pride Park FC Special?
When asked what sets Pride Park FC apart from other local grassroots clubs, Blanca points straight to the heart of the club's core ethos: well-being and enjoyment first.
"While playing football and developing skills is important, it’s not just about winning. The emphasis is on having fun, building confidence, and supporting each other. I truly believe this approach helps the girls enjoy the game more, and ultimately, it leads to better results for the teams and the club as a whole."

Ready to Make a Difference?
To anyone sitting on the fence about getting involved with Pride Park FC, Blanca has a simple message: Take the leap.

"We’re all busy, and life never seems to slow down. But volunteering and supporting your community brings a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to find elsewhere. Every helping hand matters. With more volunteers, we can reach and support even more girls, offer better development, and make the club stronger for everyone - and you might just find it’s one of the most rewarding things you do”.

Get Involved Today!
Interested in volunteering at Pride Park FC? Whether you have a few hours a month or a couple of hours a week, there’s always a place for you on our team—from coaching and admin to matchday support and event organising.

Get in touch with us today - email secretary@prideparkfc.comto find out how you can help make a difference!