During the 2010/11 Barclays Premier League season, the Barclays Community Sports Award was launched to recognise the outstanding contribution of individuals and organisations to grassroots sport.
The award, created in partnership between Barclays Spaces for Sports, the Football Foundation and the Premier League's Creating Chances programme, has ensured that those working in community sport have the opportunity to receive acclaim for their achievements, in the same way those at the top of the professional football game are recognised every year.
During every month of the past season, a judging panel consisting of representatives from all three organisations, and former professional footballer Gareth Southgate, had their work cut out for them sifting through hundreds of fantastic entries. Every individual or organisation that was picked as the monthly winner received a personalised trophy, £1,000 prize money and the chance to be picked as the overal season winner.
Previous worthy winners included Andy Thorpe, the founder of Street Soccer, a Manchester based initiative that enables homeless individuals to rehabilitate themselves through sport, and Simon O’Brien Ellington who started a wheelchair football club called The Charioteers after his wife expressed a desire to play. Recent winner Jenny Leyland, a 63 year old from Merseyside who dedicates every evening to providing sports training and competition for children in the local area, received her award on the pitch at Anfield from former Liverpool FC star Phil Thompson.
Barclays were pleased to announce overal season winner this month. The winner is Rabiya Ahmed, an 18-year-old girl from Preston who has dedicated the past two and a half years to the Fishwick Rangers scheme in Preston - organising sports training for young Asian women in her local area, who were previously excluded from sport. Rabiya's enthusiasm and determination has influenced 25 other young women in the area to volunteer.
Rabiya received a further £5,000 in prize money and a VIP trip to London to attend the League Manager Annual Dinner with judging panel member Gareth Southgate. Rabiya was presented with her award on stage in front of a collection of Barclays Premier League managers including Harry Rednapp, Alex McLeish and Mick McCarthy. Other attendees included Carlo Ancelotti, England Manager Fabio Capello and former manager Sven Goran Eriksson.
Rabiya commented on the night: "It was incredible, a once in a lifetime experience. I couldn't believe I was picked as a monthly winner, let alone as the season winner, but it's been fantastic to have my work recognised in this way".
The award will run throughout the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season. To nominate an individual or organisation, visit http://www.barclayscommunitysportsaward.com/
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