Rashid Ali, from London, is among 26 exceptional individuals to be honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster. This recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions to society.

The Medal Presentation, set for Thursday, January 23, will see Rashid receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Service to Recreation & Sports (BCAr). Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominals to commemorate their achievements.

For more than 20 years, Rashid has been actively involved with community volunteering in East London. He regularly supports homeless people through the distribution of food and clothes. He also co-ordinates support of frontline volunteers tackling rough sleeping, food poverty and mental health and wellbeing.

His endeavours with grassroots football, where he has developed an open age ‘football for all’ ethos, has had a profound impact. His programme enables people in his community to stay active long after an age when most would usually hang up their boots. Rashid has developed Leagues for veterans, over 35’s, over 40’s, and is currently supporting the increasing numbers in the 45+ and 50+ age categories.

Rashid’s football knowledge, strong leadership, meticulous planning and innovation has seen the Inner London Football League develop into one of the most significant grassroots football projects in the country. Just one of the positive outcomes has been the uplift in mental health wellbeing in a sector of society that can easily become vulnerable due to sudden inactivity caused by age.

‘Football for all’ has seen Rashid, and the management committee successfully deliver several innovative football programmes catered to a range of age groups with a focus to keep everyone involved with the game they love.

Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop commented: "This year's medalists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We're honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals."

The presentation, hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, will be attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, medalists will enjoy an Open Top Lap of Honour tour and a certificate presentation at another distinguished Westminster venue.