Cricket volunteer Paul Daniels was honoured for his work inspiring young people when he was presented with a Point of Light award by The Rt Hon Sir John Major at Lord’s.
Bromley native Daniels was recognised as a Point of Light by outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron on his final day in office. The award honours those outstanding individual volunteers who are making a real change in their community.
Outstanding contribution to cricket
Daniels set up the Young Leaders for Cricket scheme in 2010 to give young people the skills to volunteer for their local cricket club and help grassroots cricket thrive.
The impact of the volunteer scheme and his contributions over the past six years has been comprehensive and wide-ranging.
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 formed and a section for deaf children flourish.
Daniels then turned his attention to creating a programme that would ensure clubs had the volunteers they needed, while also giving young people valuable life skills.
Creating young leaders
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 who undertakes the programme is required to volunteer at least 30 hours for their local cricket club, with some giving up to 200. The programme has also partnered with Cardiac Risk in the Young – raising £5,000 for the charity, which combats cardiac risk in the young.
Daniels is now working with the England and Wales Cricket Board to expand his programme for 16- to 18-year-olds and offer more young people the chance to become a “Young Leader for Cricket”.
He received his award on the Lord’s pitch during lunch on day two of the first Investec Test between England and Pakistan.
Speaking about the award, Daniels said: “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 them 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 and I'm pleased to be named a Point of Light for this exciting and rewarding work.”
Former Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Paul’s energy and passion is breathing new life into grassroots 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.”
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major, who presented Daniels with his award, said: “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. Paul Daniels is the embodiment of what can be achieved with dedication and determination, and I warmly congratulate him and all the young leaders who have taken part in this impressive programme.”
ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison added: “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.”