Messages from Stakeholders

'’This award is a well-deserved honour. Ekota's work in bringing people together, empowering individuals, and tackling local issues is an amazing example of how volunteer groups can help strengthen local communities.'’

‘’A heartfelt congratulations for Ekota for receiving the Kings Award. A very well-deserved organisation where I had the privilege of witnessing Ekota's positive impact in our community. Their programmes have brought communities together from all sectors of different ages and faiths. They have helped to improve the well-being of each participant in an inclusive approach, and the Kings Award is a testament to their transformative work in various sports activities – well done.'’

“I am absolutely delighted to see Ekota Academy receive such a prestigious accolade as the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. It is richly deserved given all the excellent work they do with young children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.Sports can have huge benefits apart from just health and psychological. It teaches children discipline, respect, team spirit, and a sense of belonging. These are key skills that they can take into adulthood and their careers.Congratulations to the Ekota team for being recognised for all the hard work they have put in to make Ekota Academy such a success.”

‘’Vision – Redbridge Culture & Leisure is proud to work alongside Ekota Academy in the delivery of services to the local community in Goodmayes Park. Their support in activating the park, bringing park users and communities together has been so positive and driven by a group of passionate, committed and friendly team of volunteers. The focus and commitment to providing more for residents, including everyone and widening access using green space and sport is commendable. The successes and outcomes from football and cricket in terms of engagement, participation and volunteering is outstanding and it is understood that this is just the beginning of their ambition for the park and borough.’’

“Congratulations to Ekota on this fantastic achievement, to be recognised with such a prestigious award speaks volumes about the vital work they do making sport accessible to local communities.”

‘’As we all know Ekota Academy has been working to help children and adults to improve their sporting abilities and skills through teaching and empowering them with self-confidence. They have played a major role in teaching & and promoting Cricket in East London and keeping our youngsters busy on the sports grounds. I congratulate them for achieving such a prestigious award. This is an honour for the residents of both boroughs. ‘’

‘’I first met Mizan from Ekota Academy last year, and realised what an inspirational organisation this is, with a huge focus on inclusive sport and activities for all children. I am particularly impressed by their ability to provide many activities free of charge, which is most welcome in a diverse community of high deprivation. Ekota Academy has become a strong and dependable partner in our quest to liaise with community organisations that want to provide excellent opportunities for our children and young people. I am so pleased they are receiving the King’s Award, this is well deserved, and I look forward to supporting them to continue their great work.’’

“This is fantastic recognition for the hard work that the Ekota Academy team have put into activating Goodmayes Park and the surrounding area, supporting people to develop their skills and confidence through sport and other activities. We are proud to have supported Ekota and we have no doubt they’ve only just started.”

“Congratulations to all the team at Ekota Academy on being awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. We’ve been supporting Ekota Academy since 2022 to engage more children and young people in a wide range of physical activities, from cricket to dance. We’ve seen first-hand the positive impact the volunteers at Ekota Academy have on the health and wellbeing of young people within their community, and in supporting our vision of Inspiring Activity for all.”

"Ekota's emphasis on providing opportunities for residents, especially in the context of cricket, is exciting and inspiring. The success they have had around using a community space to drive connection and engagement with every section of the community to enhance lives is inspiring the recognition with The King's Award is well-deserved, and it signifies their commitment to widening access to the sport."

"Ekota Academy's remarkable achievement in receiving The King's Award for Voluntary Service is a testament to their dedication to our community. Goodmayes Park is my local park, just a stones throw from my front door - the opportunities and improvements the have created are brilliant.Their efforts in providing development opportunities, physical and mental well-being activities, and operating a community Café have enriched the lives of countless individuals. As the local MP, I am proud to see Ekota's outstanding work being recognised, and I congratulate them on this prestigious honour."

I am delighted to support Ekota's work.Having been to their base and seen how they work and organise in and with the community. The King's Award is rich recognition of this. I wish everyone involved with Ekota all the best and pledge my support for your future work in 2024, both as a London Assembly Member and as Director of Essex Cricket in the Community.