MOST can only dream of being presented with an award by Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson – but for the Boys of the Aberdeen and District Battalion as well as the 8th Trafford Boys’ Brigade Company, it was a reality!

On 31 May 2016, Sir Alex Ferguson was at the Aberdeen and District Battalion to present the President’s Badge or the Queen’s Badge, the BBUK’s highest honour (equivalent to the Founder’s Badge in Malaysia) to more than 30 youths. The event was held at the battalion’s headquarters on Crimon Place, with Boys from companies in Aberdeen, Ellon, Stonehaven, Udny Green and Skene.

At the event, Sir Alex said, “The great thing about the Boys’ Brigade is, as you see from the young guys here today, how well they are presented. It’s great Christian values, there’s a good discipline about it, it’s a good step forward in terms of creating a character you can take anywhere. I had eight years in the Life Boys then the Boys’ Brigade. And it’s starting to grow again which is the great thing.”

Later in July, British football’s most successful manager paid a visit to his old stomping ground for a recent ceremony for the 8th Trafford Boys’ Brigade. There, Sir Alex in his capacity as the Honorary Vice President of the Boys’ Brigade, presented the members with their President and Queen’s Badges at Cornerstone Methodist Church, in Urmston, much to the delight of the lucky recipients.

During the ceremony, Sir Alex spoke about his experience in Boys’ Brigade and how the lessons of discipline and hard work played a part in his future success and was a great lesson for life. He then presented the awards and afterwards took time to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Originally published:

• Evening Express (UK): Sir Alex Ferguson Presents Awards To Aberdeen Boys’ Brigade 
• Messenger Newspaper (UK): Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson kicks off celebrations at 8th Trafford Boys’ Brigade awards