United head ball boy receives award

15 year-old Steven, who is a student at Foundation partner school Burnage Media Arts College, attended the ceremony in London where he was presented with his award by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent. Steven was accompanied by Sir Bobby Charlton, OBE, who is President of the Torch Trophy Trust - a charitable organisation whose main aim is to recognise and reward volunteers in sport and recreation.

Steven was chosen as the winner of this award due to his commitment as head ball boy at Manchester United, a role which he has undertaken for the past two years as a result of excelling in school and helping Foundation coach Ben Charlton in the activities provided at Burnage through the Foundation's Hub of the Community programme.

Due to his hard work and dedication to the role he quickly became a role model to the other ball boys and the students at his school.  At the end of his first year as a ball boy, Steven was given the opportunity to be involved in the London 2012 Olympic Games by volunteering at the football matches held at Old Trafford.  At the end of the summer Steven was selected by Manchester United Foundation to return and become the Club's head ball boy for the 2012/13 season at Old Trafford.

Ben Charlton, Hub Development Officer for Burnage at the Manchester United Foundation, said:  “Steven has worked hard in his position as head ball boy and we are delighted that he has been recognised for his determination and dedication to motivating himself and the other ball boys at the club.”

After an amazing year at Old Trafford and at the Olympics, Steven commented on winning the award:  “I couldn’t believe it when I was chosen to be head ball boy, and now to win this award and meet Sir Bobby Charlton and a member of the Royal family is amazing. Thank you.”

Find out more about the Foundation's Hub of the Community programme.