Innovative founder of the London-based Bloomsbury Football Charlie Hyman has reached the final shortlist at the prestigious London Sport Awards.

Bloomsbury Football aims to provide the optimum experience to children of all abilities and backgrounds and, spearheaded by Charlie Hyman, has three sites across north London.

And after serving areas such as Camden and Westminster and Islington, Hyman has now been named as one of the finalists for Inspirational Young Person of the Year, in association with BBC Radio London, set to be revealed at London's Guildhall on 6 December.

Only three years after its founding, Bloomsbury Football became one of the leading football providers in central London and provided free-of-charge drop-in sessions in the community as well as disability classes and school provision.

In total, 871 children benefitted from Bloomsbury Football's services in 2020, and Hyman created bursary schemes to allow those from low-income families to participate.

The 25-year-old from Camden said: “The relationships and community that are built through football is something these children wouldn’t get just from going to school.

“This is about mixing people from different backgrounds who wouldn’t mix if it weren't for football bringing them together.

"Football is an inclusive game, and we've got to make sure that every child has the opportunity to take part."

Over the last five years, the annual London Sport Awards, in association with the City of London Corporation, has grown to become the biggest celebration of grassroots and community physical activity and sport in the city.

And this year's showpiece event will once again recognise, celebrate, and shine a light on the stories of the incredible individuals, groups and organisations for their outstanding work across the capital, helping Londoners of all ages and backgrounds to be physically active.

Bloomsbury Football gives discounts of up to 100 per cent, especially to those eligible for free school meals. It has been able to secure most of its funding through donations, grants and sponsorships.

The club’s profile is continuing to sky-rocket, and Hyman was proud to receive a London Sport Award nomination for his efforts, adding: "I'm really proud to be nominated for a London Sport Award.

"I love work. I hardly even call it work – it's a hobby as much as it is a job.

"Obviously, when you get recognised for these things, it feels great and motivates you to keep doing more."

The London Sport Awards, in association with the City of London Corporation, shines a spotlight on the unsung community heroes helping Londoners of all backgrounds to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and sport. Find out more about the Awards and how London Sport aims to make London the most physically active city in the world at www.londonsport.org #MakeYourMark