KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club, Bolton celebrates King’s Award

KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at a celebration evening last week with a range of special guests, volunteers, supporters and partners.

The award recognises the hard work the club does to support ethnically diverse women and girls through sport, leadership, and community development.

Bolton Council cabinet member for Stronger Communities and the VCSE sector Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: “It’s so well deserved and what a fabulous evening celebrating and seeing new leaders taking the stage with such confidence!

“It has been amazing seeing Khadija and the team going from strength to strength over the years.

A special celebration event was held (Image: KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club)

“The beauty of it all is seeing women and girls claiming their space and owning it!”

The award was announced last November as part of the King’s birthday and has now been presented to the group.

Special guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diana Hawkins, Mayor of Bolton Cllr David Chadwick, council leader Cllr Nick Peel with Bolton CVS also attendance.

The club supports girls through sport, leadership and community development (Image: KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club)

Both Ms Hawkins and Cllr Peel praised KRIMMZ for its deep community roots and its impact on improving access to opportunities for girls and women who are often underrepresented in sport.

They reflected on KRIMMZ’s journey from a grassroots group to a nationally recognised organisation, highlighting its culturally responsive approach and strong local partnerships.

Representatives from a wide range of partner organisations were also present, showing the collaborations that have supported KRIMMZ’s growth and sustainability.

The award is the highest that can be given to voluntary organisations (Image: KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club)

KRIMMZ Girls Youth Club director Khadija Patel said she feels the award belongs to the whole Bolton community.

She said being honoured like this reflects years of trust-building, volunteer commitment, and belief in creating spaces where women and girls feel welcomed and valued.

The club not only recognised their achievements so far but also took a moment to renew its commitment to continue working together to improve opportunities for future generations.

It now aims to continues to deliver inclusive programmes across Bolton, using sport as a tool to build confidence, leadership, and community connection among women and girls.