A grassroots sports coach from Southall has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his work supporting young people through sport.
Md Tanvir Ahamed, an ECB Level 3 Advanced Cricket Coach and FA football coach, received the honour on Tuesday (28 April 2026) for his contribution to community sport across schools, clubs and at borough and county level in Ealing and Middlesex.
Mr Ahamed, who has been involved in community activities in Southall since 2017 and is originally from Bangladesh, told EALING.NEWS his passion for cricket began in childhood: “I used to watch matches with my family and play informally with friends, and over time it grew into a real passion.”
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, Mr Ahamed explained what the award means to him: “This honour was granted in recognition of my long-standing work in grassroots sports development across schools, clubs, borough and county level in Ealing and Middlesex. My mission has always been to use sport as a vehicle for inclusion, community engagement and leadership development, and it is truly a privilege to see this work recognised by such a historic institution.”
He said he has been coaching for around 10 years, focusing on helping players develop both their skills and confidence.
Mr Ahamed joined London Tigers cricket club in 2010 as a player and later became a coach, describing it as “a supportive cricket community” where he can mentor others.
His previous honours include a national community hero award from The Cricketer and LV=, and being named ECB Coach of the Year in 2022.
