A community worker who has dedicated over a quarter of a century to nurturing and developing sporting talent is to be presented with a lifetime award.

Iqbal Bhai, founder and Chairman of Blackburn United FC will receive the One Voice Outstanding Achievement Award at the One Voice Annual Dinner this weekend.

He said, “It is an honour for me to receive this award and I am grateful to One Voice for this recognition of the successful work that has been done by not only me but all members of Blackburn United."

Iqbal Bhai has been at the forefront of local football particularly among the South Asian community through Blackburn United.

Blackburn United FC is a community based FA Charter Standard football club that encourages the participation of the immediate Asian community as well as the wider community.

The Club runs nine junior teams who play in various leagues, ages from 8 years to 18 years old.

They also have a senior team playing in the East Lancashire league and two teams in the Blackburn Combination. There is also a girl’s football team.

Iqbal’s motivation is to see the young people from all backgrounds gaining an opportunity to play sport.

“My ethos, and the club’s, has always been to create a safer, stronger and more respectful community links through development by increasing participation, the playing, organised regular football and providing role models, coaching leaders and officiating opportunities for parents and volunteers.

"This is evident in the increasing number of volunteers who are part of the club with many who have now become level 1 & 2 coaches since joining the club.”

As well as football, Iqbal Bhai also officiates at cricket matches, and much of his weekends throughout the year are spent on sporting enterprises that encourage participation from some of the most deprived communities in Blackburn.”

Iqbal Bhai will be presented with the award at the One Voice Annual Dinner, at Windsor Suite, King George’s Hall this weekend.

The award is part of the 1V Community Champion Awards run by community group One Voice.

The event is sponsored and supported by hpa Solicitors, Blackburn College, Humraaz Refuge, NHS England and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.