Hackney Wick FC founder Bobby Kasanga has been recognised as an unsung hero of grassroots sport at a star-studded ceremony in central London.
Bobby, a former gang member who founded the club on release from prison in 2015 to keep youngsters out of gangs, was given a Special Recognition Award at Pride of Sport, an event run by the Daily Mirror and supported by Sport England.
Pete Markey, chief marketing officer at sponsors TSB said it recognises “people from the grassroots of sport, who’ve achieved something extraordinary for themselves, their friends and families, and for their communities.”
The ceremony was hosted by ITV presenter Ben Shephard and attended by some of British sport’s biggest names, including two-time Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes and England Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson.
Bobby coaches 160 youths, runs sessions for kids in and around gangs and helps rehabilitate ex-convicts.
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