A determination to change the world for the better has driven Joseph Olowu’s passion for work in the community.
The Rovers defender has been named League Two Community Player of the Season and received his award at a ceremony in Parliament, with his work with Club Doncaster Foundation’s Football Welcomes programme cited as a particular success.
“I’m just trying to make the world a better place,” the 25-year-old said. “It’s sound like a huge thing but you’ve got to just do it one step at a time.
“I’m trying to impact and help people in any shape or form. I might be injured at the moment but it doesn’t stop me from trying to spread my message and do things that I feel can help other people.
“It’s fulfilling and very humbling as well to see the reaction from people we work with.
“You can ask my mum – I’m a young boy born in a small village back home in Nigeria but I’m in a position where God is granting me the grace to help other people.
“It’s humbling because I’m just trying to do my small bit. My small bit seems as though it is going a long way so let’s do it.”
Alongside his support of refugees and asylum seekers through the Football Welcomes programme, Olowu funded and delivered care packages across the city at Christmas and has been a passionate attendee of a wide variety of community visits throughout the season.
He will attend the EFL Awards later this month where he will discover whether he has won the overall Community Player of the Season award for the Football League. Olowu thanked his family and those at the club for their help with his community work.
“I can’t stop smiling,” he said. “I’m very grateful to God, the people around me that have allowed me to do what I want to do because I’m very adventurous and I want to do a lot.
“If you have people around you that are willing to support you and push you then you can achieve these things.
“That has been a big thing for me to have my mum, sisters, family, everyone at the club behind me. It’s been fantastic to have people that are so willing to help me make things happen that I want to do.”
Rovers manager Grant McCann said: “A massive well done to Joseph for picking up this award. I see firsthand the work that Joseph does, as well as the club in general.
“It’s a massive accolade for him and one that is well-deserved.”
The Foundation’s CEO, John Davis added: “As a community-based charity, players like Joseph really help us to connect our work to the clubs that we serve.
“We’re delighted that Joseph has got this recognition for his work off the field, and we thank him for his ongoing support.”
