Cricket volunteer Paul Daniels was recognised for his work inspiring young people as he was presented with a Point of Light award by The Rt Hon Sir John Major at Lord’s.

Paul received the award on the Lord’s pitch during the lunch break on day two of the first Investec Test between England and Pakistan.

The Chair of trustees of Kent Sports Trust and the KST Foundation was recognised as a Point of Light by former Prime Minister David Cameron on his last day in office. The award recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.

Paul, from Bromley, set up Young Leaders for Cricket in 2010 to give young people the skills to volunteer for their local cricket club and help grassroots cricket thrive.

He reinvigorated his home club with a ‘cricket for all’ ethos which has seen children as young as three take up the sport, a girls’ team be formed and a section for deaf children flourish. Paul then turned his attention to creating a programme which would ensure clubs had the volunteers they needed, while giving young people life skills.

Over 700 under 16s have taken part in Young Leaders for Cricket. As well as qualifications in coaching, umpiring, grounds work and first aid, participants gain problem-solving and social skills including building friendships and confidence.

Everyone going through the programme is required to volunteer for their local cricket club for at least 30 hours, with some giving up to 200. Young people have given an estimated 28,000 hours of service. The programme has partnered with CRY, raising £5,000 for the charity which combats cardiac risk in the young.

Paul is now working with the England and Wales Cricket Board to expand his programme for 16 – 18 year olds to give more young people the chance to become a ‘Young Leader for Cricket’.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said of Paul: “Paul’s energy and passion is breathing new life into grass roots cricket and ensuring the game has the skilled volunteers it needs to continue to thrive. Young Leaders for Cricket is a fantastic initiative set to grow from strength to strength, throughout the country and across other sports. I’m pleased to name Paul a Point of Light.”

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Sir John Major added: “The Points of Light Awards scheme is a remarkable initiative that recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a real change in their community.”

“Founded in the United States by my good friend President George Bush Senior, the scheme has become a global force for good; creating millions of volunteers and celebrating the value of service.”

“I am delighted that David Cameron has brought The Points of Light Awards to the UK. Paul Daniels is the embodiment of what can be achieved with dedication and determination, and I warmly congratulate Paul and all the young leaders who have taken part in this impressive programme.”

Having received his award Paul Daniels spoke of his delight at being honoured: “I have a passion for giving young people the opportunity to prove themselves in their communities and to realise their potential.”

“I’m proud that Young Leaders in Cricket gives young people a place to channel the talent and drive, that many don’t realise they have, to become volunteers. Sport has an unparalleled power to inspire young people. I am pleased to be named a Point of Light for this exciting and rewarding work.” 

“With Kent Sports Trust and KST Foundation, we now have an opportunity to inspire so many more people to volunteer and change their lives through sport.”

ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison was full of praise for the work Paul and the team had undertaken to get more young people involved in cricket:

“Young Leaders for Cricket is a shining example of the power of cricket to make a positive difference in our communities.”

“What Paul and his team of volunteers has achieved is extraordinary and we will continue to work with him to support and develop this inspirational programme.”

Meanwhile, Paul’s local MP, Bob Neill added: “Young Leaders for Cricket is a fantastic initiative that has directly benefited hundreds of young people in the local area, and countless more in the wider community through the voluntary work it promotes.”

“It is precisely to recognise the success of schemes like this, and the extraordinary dedication and energy of people like Paul, that the Point of Light award was established. It is well deserved and I wish Leaders for Cricket every success in the future.”