Doncaster war hero charity and football club honoured by King

A Doncaster charity dedicated to honouring Victoria Cross heroes and a trailblazing football club have both been honoured with prestigious honours by King Charles.

The Victoria Cross Trust and Armthorpe Welfare Football Club have both been awarded he King’s Award for Voluntary Service - the equivalent of an MBE.

The awards have been announced today on His Majesty the King’s 78th birthday—marking a crowning achievement during Armthorpe’s historic 100-year anniversary.

Equivalent to an MBE, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest honour bestowed upon local volunteer groups across the United Kingdom.

It recognises outstanding work done by volunteer-led organisations to benefit their communities, and the award is held for life.

Armthorpe Welfare Football Club is one of a select number of charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups across the UK to receive the prestigious accolade this year.

Celebrating a century of football and community service since its founding in 1926, the award highlights the tireless dedication of the club’s volunteers across generations, who work year-round to provide inclusive grassroots football, community facilities, and vital local support in Armthorpe and the wider Doncaster area.

Tony Walton Chairman at Armthorpe Welfare Football Club, said: "We are immensely proud and humbled to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, especially as we celebrate our centenary year.

“For 100 years, Armthorpe Welfare has been kept alive by generations of dedicated volunteers giving up their time, energy, and heart.

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“From maintaining the pitch and running the clubhouse to coaching our youth teams and supporting local families, this club is built entirely on community spirit.

“To receive this lifetime honour on His Majesty’s birthday is the ultimate tribute to everyone who has been part of our century-long story."

Representatives from Armthorpe Welfare will receive the award crystal and certificate from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire in the coming months.

In addition, two volunteers from the club will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next summer, alongside other recipients of this year’s award.

Meanwhile, the Doncaster based Victoria Cross Trust, which helps find, restore and maintain the graves of Victoria Cross winners has also been recognised for its efforts.

In addition to restoration the Victoria Cross Trust volunteers also visit local schools and community groups to give presentations on the history behind the VC ensuring that their memory is not forgotten.

Chair of Trustees Keith Lumley said: “I am absolutely delighted and honoured that the hard work of our team of volunteers has been recognised in this way. The restoration work can be tough, but it is so rewarding to see the finished product and especially where families see the before and aftermath of our work.

“Visiting schools and sharing the history also gives us immense pleasure and it is all down to the commitment and dedication of our team”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following His Majesty The King’s accession, His Majesty emphasised his desire to continue the Award.