A 26-year-old man who has been a part of grassroots football in his community since the age of ten is the latest winner of a new volunteering award, Prime Minister David Cameron has announced.
Football mad Rahi Popat is the power behind the football club Hamilton Youth. His aim is to support local youngsters and unite his community through love of the national game.
Rahi is the recipient of a new Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.
"It is a real honour and privilege to receive this award and it is extremely humbling to be recognised by the Prime Minister."
Rahi Popat - winner of the Point of Light award
The new award has been developed by Prime Minister David Cameron in partnership with the hugely successful Points of Light programme in the USA, which has recognised over 5,000 people. The US programme was established by President George H. W. Bush, and both he and President Barack Obama have publicly supported the partnership with Points of Light UK.
Whether it’s a plumber regenerating local parkland or a teenager setting up a new cancer campaign, a Scout leader turning round the lives of hundreds of young people or a mum engaging the community to care for its neighbours, the Point of Light award will honour shining examples of volunteering across Britain.
Rahi grew up playing football and this soon became his escape and love in life, which continued into his adult years. He became secretary at his childhood team and used that experience to set up his own club, Hamilton Youth.
For the past two years Rahi has completely devoted his life to developing and expanding the club so that as many local youngsters as possible have the opportunity to enjoy the sport they love. At the first training session there were 14 youngsters attending but thanks to Rahi’s tireless efforts this grew quickly, and there are close to 100 attendees aged between five and fifteen.
Rahi even gives up his free time to visit local Primary schools to coach football and in 2012 Rahi had the idea to establish a unique partnership between Hamilton Youth and Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People. This was highly successful with numerous donations to the hospice from parents and people associated the club. A year later Rahi was recognised by The FA Community Awards presented by McDonalds as a Young Volunteer of the Year
Rahi said: "It is a real honour and privilege to receive this award and it is extremely humbling to be recognised by the Prime Minister.
"The reason behind Hamilton Youth was simply to give every child that walked through our doors a chance to fall in love with the beautiful game. It was always about giving children the right platform, skills and values which can be transferable in everyday life.
"Every child has a right to a memorable childhood which holds precious memories for them and I feel fortunate to be involved in making a difference in their lives."
