King Charles recognizes decades of grassroots sports service

Steven Thompson, said he was surprised to learn he had been included in the King's Birthday Honours list.

LONDON: King Charles III has recognized a longtime volunteer rugby coach with a British Empire Medal, bringing unexpected joy to a grandfather who initially feared an official letter contained bad news.

Steven Thompson, a 62-year-old self-employed accountant, said he was surprised to learn he had been included in the King’s Birthday Honours list for his decades of voluntary work in grassroots sports.

Thompson said he initially thought the official-looking letter might be related to a recent speeding incident, but instead discovered he had been awarded the BEM for more than 30 years of service helping develop young athletes.

A coach at Fairwood Waterloo Rugby Club, Thompson recalled taking his son, Matthew, to the club nearly three decades ago when he was about 5 years old. He now enjoys watching his grandson, Daniel, play for the same team.

Speaking to the Echo newspaper, Thompson said receiving messages from former players who credited their early experiences with inspiring a lifelong passion for the sport had been particularly rewarding.

“If in some small way, I’ve got them hooked on it and enjoying the sport, then that’s great,” he said.

The recognition comes as King Charles continues his royal duties while reports suggest he could reunite with his US-based grandchildren for the first time in four years.