Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Annual Celebration Dinner, kindly supported by Gibbs & Dandy was deemed a huge success.
This year's celebration took place on Saturday September 6th 2014, in the Long Bar of the Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
In its 8th year, the dinner united all constituents of the Leeds rugby league family who shared and celebrated their achievements together. The evening was a great way to make new friends as well as catch up with old friends from across the sport.
Leeds Rugby Foundation (LRF) honoured rugby league played throughout Leeds in 2013 and 2014 with many awards handed out including the prestigious John Holmes Award sponsored by Berry's Jewellers which was presented to Steve Boothroyd.
Steve who has devoted a lifetime of service to Schools Rugby League, and coached such players as Danny McGuire, Ryan Bailey, Jamie Jones Buchanan, Chris Clarkson, Richie Mathers, Chev Walker and Mark Calderwood to name but a few, and the Foundation’s very own Jonny Wainhouse and Russell Parker.
The recently retired head teacher has worked at all levels, as coach, international referee and administrator and been both treasurer and chairman of the English Schools Rugby League.
The award was presented by Phil Holmes, John’s brother, who also announced plans for the erection of a statue to John at Headingley Carnegie Stadium.
“Unbelievably, it is five years since John passed away,” Phil said. “After discussions between the club and the family, it has been agreed that the process will start to raise funds to erect a bronze statue at the ground for a player who epitomised everything Leeds rugby is about.”
“Further details will be announced but it will be terrific and iconic to see John gazing out over his beloved Kirkstall again from the place that meant everything to him.”
John’s wife Karen added: “Everybody tells me how much John meant to the club and its fans and that he was an inspiration to so many. Hopefully by having this statue erected, we can all gather together again in his memory.”
The award recognises an individual who has gone over and above the call of duty to make an exceptional contribution to their organisation.
Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Sam Horner commented: “Unfortunately Steve couldn’t be there on the night to accept his award, but he is certainly a worthy winner. Steve has been involved with school rugby for the last 35 years. He has been an integral part of schools development of rugby league in the city.”
The Life-time achievement award was awareded to Paul Chippendale who has been a referee for the last 40 years.
Sam Horner continued: “Paul has been involved in the community game for over 40 years. He has not only been referring himself, but has developed the up and coming referees that we see referring the community game today.”
As well as the two major awards, the evening also included Leeds Rugby Foundations Director of Operations Bob Bowman QPM MC the evening.
Leeds head coach Brian McDermott and Leeds Rhinos CEO and LRF Trustee Mr Gary Hetherington held a Q and A with the watching audience. There were also stars from the past present at the dinner.
On top of that, present were representatives from the whole constituency of the Leeds rugby league family including; Rhinos 1st Team Players & Coaching Staff; Ex Players Association, Community Clubs, Supporter Branches, Ambassador Schools, The Referees Association, LRF Sponsors, LRF Vice Presidents Trustees & Patrons as well as LRF Community Staff.
The Leeds Rugby League Heritage Group once again organised a display of Rugby League history and there was also a raffle on the night in aid of Leeds Rugby Foundation with all proceeds going to support the Foundation's Rugby League Development Plan for Leeds, sponsored by partners Mears.
Also at the dinner, the Tetley’s Challenge Cup – won by the Rhinos at Wembley last month – was reunited with a winner’s medal from the very first time the competition was played in 1897, with the final held at Headingley.
F.Fisher’s loaned solid gold memento was won as part of Batley’s ‘gallant youths’ pack who beat St Helens 10-3 and was the centrepiece of a Leeds Rugby Foundation heritage display.