On Saturday 17th November, Emerald Headingley will host the annual Celebration of Rugby League community clubs’ awards dinner to celebrate the achievements of the city’s community clubs over the last year.
The Celebration of Rugby League dinner brings together the 38 clubs from across Leeds and beyond who form the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Ambassador Club family and recognises and rewards hard working coaches, players and volunteers that have all made an impact on the game at grassroots level.
Hosted by Leeds Rhinos chief executive, Gary Hetherington, the night will include two awards for each club, with adults and under 16s players recognised. There will also be the presentation for the John Holmes Memorial Award, which every club in attendance is considered for.
The event promises to be a memorable occasion, with past and present rugby stars in attendance and the highlight being a Q&A with Rob Burrow and first team Rhinos players.
The event is priced at £20 per person which includes a 2-course meal and entry into the raffle and quiz, where there are plenty of prizes to be won.
Sam Horner, community clubs development officer commented: “We are delighted to be putting on this special event again, which allows us to show appreciation to our community clubs.
“The event has proved highly popular over the years and is definitely worth attending. It is important that we recognise the contribution our community clubs and the many volunteers who give their time and energy to helping to develop the next generation of player.
“Each club has been asked to nominate two people from their club and these can be long serving volunteers, high achieving players, working club members, outstanding volunteers or general recognition to a club member.”
Now in its eleventh year, the initial idea behind the celebration dinner was to bring together the city’s community clubs to pay tribute to the important contribution each make in helping the game in Leeds thrive and Horner believes the relationship between community clubs and the Rhinos has never been stronger.
“At Leeds Rhinos, there is great pride that so many of their players are local lads who have played for Leeds community clubs. Liam Sutcliffe, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Stevie Ward and Jack Walker are just a few that have progressed from their local club to playing for the Rhinos and each would be quick to pay tribute to the clubs and staff who helped inspire and develop them in their formative years. The Ambassador Club scheme has really helped improve relationships between community clubs and the Rhinos, with first team coaches running the coach education project, players visiting junior training sessions and hundreds of children getting the chance to play on the pitch at half time at Rhinos’ games.”
The dinner will take place in the Lewis Jones Suite at Emerald Headingley Stadium on 17th November between 2pm-6pm.
To register, complete the booking form and return to Sam Horner at:
Leeds Rugby Foundation, Clarence Fields, Bridge Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3BR.
For more information on the dinner contact Sam Horner at sam.horner@leedsrhinosfoundation.org and 07780676132