Eight decades of dedication
Club can’t keep George’s feet on the ground.
The rugby family has many fantastic role models who give up years of their time to their clubs.
There is a perfect example of dedicated volunteering at Old Otliensians RUFC in West Yorkshire, where their club President George Leach, at 96 years young, is still actively involved on a day-to-day basis.
George attends every home game and most away games, is at the club most Monday mornings helping with club maintenance and organises the assistant referee and the tea rotas.
Recognising all that George has done for rugby and his club, the Yorkshire RFU is presenting him with a county shirt, a plaque and a letter of thanks, as well as a VIP invitation to George and a guest to a county match.
Having been with his club since the early 1950s, when he was on the team selection committee, George has held every office, being elected club President at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season at the age of 82.
Andrew Thorpe, the club’s general secretary, said: “Despite challenges with sight and hearing, George can still be found up a step ladder cutting down tree branches. It’s impossible to stop him. While we try to keep him safe, he never makes any adjustments for his age! He keeps the club going and I think the club keeps him going. The club is a big part of his life and he’s a huge asset and inspiration.”
