University of Brighton student, Joanna Gardiner, 23, won the award for her unpaid dedication to the project which uses football as a way of uniting divided communities.

Joanna, who is studying to be a PE teacher, has volunteered on the project for the last three years: “They are very humble and appreciative of our project as football is a language that so many people understand,” said Joanna of the scheme that has helped forge links between Jewish and Arab children in Northern Israel.

The project was started up by the University of Brighton and PE lecturer, Gary Stidder, commented: “She is a real example to her peer group as well as to many young women and girls involved in sport.

“She has always set very high professional standards and has been a real example for others to follow.”

Joanna received her award from the Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown.

Arsenal Ladies’ achievements over the last 12 months were also recognised with the Gunners picking up the Pindar Team of the Year Award.

Last season saw the club sweep aside both domestic and European opposition winning the Premier League plus The FA and League Cups as well as the UEFA Cup.

Striker, Rachel Yankey, commented: “We received texts from Arsene Wenger, Dennis Bergkamp, David Dein and Peter Hill-Wood, who all said that they were proud of what we achieved.”