THE RFU ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS OF THE HONDA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme host annual awards at Twickenham Stadium 

The Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards 2022 took place on Friday evening, 28^th October 2022, at Twickenham Stadium, the home of England rugby. The evening is dedicated to rewarding the volunteers across the country who make up an integral part of the game. The Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme is an initiative run by the RFU to recognise the volunteer network and the great contributions made to community rugby in England which enables the sport to continue to grow at a grassroots level.

As the official performance partner of Rugby Football Union since the start of last season, Honda is honoured with title sponsor for the Volunteer Recognition Programme. This was therefore the first Volunteer of the Year awards sponsored by Honda.

The awards recognise the inspiring achievements of the volunteers in three categories; Unsung Hero, Beyond Rugby: Connecting the Community & Game for All.

Over 1,200 entries were received for this year’s awards, with nominees considered at local level, before regional winners were then put forward for the national awards, which saw 48 nominees recognised at an awards ceremony at Twickenham Stadium last week.

The Winners of this year’s awards are:

Unsung Hero: 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.

Game for All: Will Gilgrass, Old Streetonians RFC

Will revamped the club’s social media presence and website and organised many social events, critical for Old Street, as a ‘virtual’ club.  He has been a champion for inclusivity within the club and has developed a bursary scheme to provide funding for equipment. Additionally, Will instigated the club’s mental health and wellbeing scheme, becoming and helping other members to become mental health first aiders.  

Beyond Rugby: Arthur Crabtree, Didsbury Toc RFC

Following the pandemic Arthur has spent his time engaging with the community and helping the club strive through difficult times. He has been instrumental in various fundraisers, coaching for underprivileged children, volunteering at the local soup kitchen and organising the clean-up of the club facilities after severe flooding, including a crowdfunding appeal, which raised over £20k and is being used as an investment in the clubs' facilities, juniors and women’s rugby section. 

RFU President, Nigel Gillingham, said: “I am delighted that we are able to recognise our volunteers at the Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards. The event provides us with an excellent opportunity to thank them for all that they have done. Those attending represent a wider army of volunteers nationwide, the very best of our sport, who exemplify our core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.”

Honda UK president, Jean-Marc Streng added: “At Honda we strive to improve people’s lives through the Power of Dreams, and that same challenging spirit can be found in abundance at rugby clubs up and down the country. We see many parallels between our brand values and those of the individuals that are celebrated as part of the Honda Volunteer Recognition Programme. We are proud to recognise the enormous efforts of the volunteers that make Rugby such a special sport to be a part of.”