Ugandan Soccer Volunteer Dennis Kirunda Honored At Buckingham Palace For His Contribution To Football In The UK

On Monday October 7th the His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge Prince William welcomed 150 grassroots heroes to Buckingham Palace. HRH The Duke of Cambridge, in his official capacity as President of The Football Association, hosted a special event at Buckingham Palace to honor the 150 volunteers that have help deliver and supported the nation’s favourite game.

The event, which forms a key part of The FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations, entailed an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace with 150 specially selected grassroots heroes being awarded a medal from HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

The volunteers had been chosen for their outstanding contribution and service to football – which includes everything from helping to develop the women’s game, providing opportunities for disabled players, grassroots referees as well as club and league administrators.

Among the honored volunteers was a  Ugandan Dennis Kirunda who was specially selected for his involvement in the game through a series of projects that included being the founder of the African Nations Cup UK, a project he started in 2009 to use football as a symbol for community cohesion and increase participation within the African community.

HRH The Duke of Cambridge, President of The Football Association, said “In our 150th year, it is hugely important for The FA to honour the efforts of the many thousands of volunteers who week in, week out, help to provide the opportunity for millions more people to enjoy football at grassroots level.  Inviting 150 of these volunteers to Buckingham Palace provides a fitting way for The FA to pay tribute and give thanks.”

Greg Dyke, Chairman of The Football Association, said: “These volunteers are the heartbeat of football. Without them, the game simply wouldn’t function at a grassroots level and it is only right that The FA honours their tireless and selfless work.

“We are delighted that, in his role as President of The FA, HRH The Duke of Cambridge has given his support to this initiative – even going as far as arranging for the first ever game of football to be played at Buckingham Palace in honour of our grassroots heroes.”

Source — The FA News. For details about the Afriican Nations Cup UK — See link below http://www.africannationscupuk.com/