Lewisham Council’s Make a Difference awards reward the borough’s volunteers and the often unsung work they perform.
Hugh Chambers from Catford, a volunteer football coach and school governor, was a runner-up in the awards last year.
He said: “Volunteering gives me a real buzz, particularly when I’m able to help the less confident players improve their skills.
“I’m quite strict and I expect the highest standards of behaviour. Some young boys lack male role models at home and football training gives them a positive male perspective and, to an extent, an opportunity for male bonding.
“I’m also a governor at Sydenham School, where my daughter is a student. I think it’s important to give back and try to make things better.”
Nomination forms for the Make a Difference awards are available from libraries and leisure centres across the borough, or online at lewisham.gov.uk/makeadifference.
The deadline for nominations is 5pm on Tuesday May 3. An independent panel of judges will then go through the nominations and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on 7 June.
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