A Lewisham-based volunteer with autism, who helps people with disabilities play sports, has been recognised for his hard work with an award.
Alex Blayden first started coaching at a multi-sports club for people with disabilities when he was just 16 years old.
“I’ve always loved to play sports,” he said, “but this gave me the chance to coach people who might need extra help.”
Alex, who is autistic, went from being a member of Club Southwark in Elephant and Castle, run by the Disability Sports Coach charity, to taking on the role of a volunteer.
This involved supporting disabled club members to participate in activities.
The 24-year-old has been recognised for his efforts, with a Southwark Stars award for Disabled Volunteer of the Year.
“It’s great to be noticed just doing my job – I’m looking forward to collecting it.”
Alex’s tireless volunteering has also resulted in him landing a role as paid coach. “I’m very happy to be a paid coach,” he said. “It shows my confidence in my abilities and that I can do a great job.”
Alex added: “I like delivering sports sessions and adapting sports so that everyone can play. It’s good to give members tactics and techniques to improve their performance too.
“Disabled people need to be able to play sports, not just non-disabled people.
“They need to practise sport with friends just like anyone else – when you’re playing sport you never feel alone.”
Peter Ackred, CEO of Disability Sports Coach said: “We are thrilled that Alex has won the Community Southwark Disabled Volunteer of the Year award.
“He has been simply extraordinary as a volunteer and made a fantastic contribution to the success of Club Southwark.
“Alex has grown in confidence and ability, achieving his Inclusive Activity Leader qualification and becoming a paid coach in his own right.
“He started his journey with us as a volunteer and now he has a career, which shows that volunteering is not only rewarding but can lead to great things.”
The Castle Leisure Centre-based club is open to people with physical and learning disabilities, as well as sensory needs. It is one of ten award-winning inclusive sports clubs run by Disability Sports Coach across London.
Members play a variety of sports at the clubs including basketball, boccia, tennis and football.
Alex is one of ten other winners of the 2023 Southwark Stars Awards – run by Community Southwark which celebrates the volunteer champions of the borough.