Volunteer of the Year celebrates the outstanding contribution of volunteers to grassroots physical activity and sport; individuals who share their knowledge, passion and skills and give their time generously.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots physical activity and sport. For so many, regular activity simply wouldn’t be possible without  volunteers – the army of coaches, administrators, officials, fundraisers and supporters that mobilises every single week.

The Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates those people that support grassroots physical activity and sport with their know-how, dedication and hands-on approach. The volunteers we’ll be celebrating gladly give up their time for the benefit of tens of thousands of people in every borough  in every corner of the capital.

The 2020 shortlist is:

Nafisa Patel

Nafisa Patel has flourished this year and developed into a vital volunteer for the cricketing community in London. Nafisa is an ECB volunteer on the South Asian Female Project delivering the national ALL Stars Cricket programme, as well leading sessions at Newham Cricket Club and running a Mothers & Daughters All Stars session.

Seth Lewis

A football coach in Hayes, Seth uses his story of being an ex-offender to guide young people in the right direction whilst improving their physical and mental health. He has turned his life around in order to help others in communities around him.

Linda Almond

The Blind Tennis Volunteer Lead for Metro Blind Sport, Linda has provided vital volunteer support for blind tennis players. Through her work, she provides support both on and off the court and helps to raise critical funds for Metro Blind Sport

Let’s take a look back at the 2019 shortlist…

Nomination Criteria:

Nominees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

• An exceptional commitment to grassroots physical activity and sport in London.
• A track-record of making a real difference to physical activity and sport through their own effort.
• An impact on people, or on a particular project(s), through their own dedication and expertise.
• The nomination must detail activities that have taken place throughout the 2019 calendar year. The work may be on-going.