A TEENAGER who became a football coach to help young people reduce their risk of gang involvement has been given an award.

Jordan Dixon, who lives in Tottenham, was given the Point of Light award from Prime Minister David Cameron, which honours people who have made a difference to their area.

It was presented by HRH Prince of Wales.

The 19-year-old apprentice offers free football training every week to 30 young people from the estate he grew up on.

He said: “My ambition is that one day I'll set up my own football academy to give young people a chance to play football and gain qualifications at the same time.”

He has also set up a partnership with a neighbouring team in Hackney so his players can train with them on a weekly basis.

After a difficult childhood involving gang culture and struggling to stay in school, his determination to change led him to the Let Me Play Organisation, which offers sports and volunteering opportunities.

His enthusiasm for sports coaching has meant he was able to gain FA Level One through Let Me Play and he has also coached for three different primary schools and volunteered as a young leader at Edmonton Craig’s Park Unity Hub with Enfield Council.

Jordan is also an ambassador for the #iWill campaign, which is run through the Step up to Serve charity and is made up of a group of passionate 10-20 year-olds from across the UK who are leading fantastic social action in their communities.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “By taking his own experience of being involved with gangs and using it to help other young people choose a different route, Jordan is changing lives in his local community.

"He saw the power of football in turning his own life around and it is fantastic that he has set up his own initiative to give others the same opportunity. "I am delighted to recognise his work by naming him a Point of Light.”