ALPHA United Juniors Football Club, a group of volunteers based in Bradford, has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

The club, founded by Mohammed Waheed, was set up in 2013 and has gone from strength-to-strength and boasts many awards and appearances on TV.

However, their philosophy is simple and well integrated into the local community to make a lasting difference to the juniors at the club.

Mr Waheed said "It is truly remarkable and a great honour to be recognised with the highest award in the land. To be able to say we are part of the Queen's Award is huge recognition for everyone at the club and once again highlights what is being done and achieved here.

"For a BAME club from inner city Bradford to be on the radar for such an award is outstanding not just to be on the shortlist but to actually attain it. It is recognition for all the juniors, volunteers and sponsors of what we are trying to achieve here in the community."

The latest award sees the club breaking further new ground as one of the first football clubs to receive the distinction.

Representatives from Alpha United Juniors FC were invited to Buckingham Palace in May.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Winners are announced each year on the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

Representatives of Alpha United Juniors FC will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Yorkshire later this summer. As the club continues to grow they are always on the lookout for new players and also coaches. If you would be interested in joining the club, visit www.alphaunitedjuniors.com