Honda Volunteer of the Year Nominees Announced
Nominees for the Honda Volunteer of the Year have been confirmed, ahead of the award night in September.
The Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme provides a platform to recognise the volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and community – no matter what their role.
The Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards will recognise the outstanding contribution volunteers have made across three categories.
- Unsung Hero – which recognises volunteers who have gone above and beyond over the past 12 months to provide positive experiences & ensure their club/referee society is fit for the future.
- Beyond Rugby: Connecting the Community - recognises volunteers, who have made an outstanding contribution and had significant impact within their local community.
- Game for All - recognises volunteers who have provided an inspiring and diverse offer, to open the game up to new audiences and make the game more accessible for all.
48 nominees have been selected to attend the event, which will take place at Twickenham Stadium next month.
Here are the stories of just a few of this year’s nominees:
Daisy Hopkins, Oxford Harlequins
After joining the club as a player Daisy took on the role of club fixtures secretary, and since then has had a huge impact on the club. She has had a positive effect on the recruitment and retainment of the team from managing the club’s social media through to putting on come and try events. She regularly gets down to the club early to welcome new members and ensure that all the administrative tasks which allow the team to function have been completed.
Chris Wright, Cockermouth RFC
Due to Chris’s efforts the club have been able to install a new outdoor gym for the local community, lighting for the Multi Use Games Area and are currently in the process of fundraising for an astroturf and a running track - all enabling the club to engage further with the community and become a hub of sport and exercise.
Mike Harley Market Harborough RUFC
Mike has brought the club together during lockdown, by delivering a refurbishment project that has future-proofed the club. He has led a complete refurbishment of the clubhouse, using his professional skills, including building a new stand in memory of a senior club member. All achieved while continuing to coach across the club’s younger age groups, inspiring young people in the values of rugby, both on and off the pitch.
Jodie Hill, Lincoln RFC
Jodie has worn several hats over the last 12 months to ensure the club is fit for the future, from women’s team manager through to bar manager and now Chair. Jodie has used her business knowledge and professional skills, along with her personable manner and willingness to help, to steer the club towards a bright future. Her understanding of what it means to come to a rugby club having not played before has helped to recruit 40 new players.
