John Smeaton Community College PE teacher and Rugby League enthusiast, Lee Parkin, has today been presented with the English Schools Rugby League Teacher of the Year award.
The prestigious award was presented by RFL and Leeds Rugby Foundation President David Oxley CBE and the RFL’s Director of Participation and Partnerships and English School’s Rugby League Chairman, David Gent.
Leeds Rugby Foundation nominated Lee for the award as his continued effort to spread the game of Rugby League in the city of Leeds over the last 7 years has helped change so many lives for the better.
Lee has spent countless hours co-ordinating the Leeds and Hunslet School's League and Cup competitions as well as developed the game in his own school and also represents the school within Leeds Rugby Foundation's Ambassador Programme.
David Gent commented: “It is a massive honour for a teacher to receive this award because it proves you are the very best of all the teachers in Rugby League. Lee has done so much in Leeds, working with Leeds Rugby Foundation to get other schools involved in Rugby League. He also lead the North v South Challenge Programme which has really become a part of the whole school programme. He is a true stalwart of Rugby League.”
David Oxley CBE commented: “The award is a truly national award. 1500 schools entered the Champions Schools Competition this year and the Year 7 Champion Schools Final is in fact the curtain raiser to the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. The last two years have been won by southern schools which proves that this wonderful game of ours is spreading and young people are getting the opportunity to play it enjoy it and go on to better things thanks to people like Lee.”
Leeds Rugby Foundation and Leeds Rhinos legend, Keith Senior commented: “It’s down to teachers like Lee why I played Rugby League as a youngster. I got involved at school and it’s great that Lee has put so much effort in to promote the game of Rugby League and this award is a great thank you from all at Leeds Rugby Foundation, students and Rugby League fans as a whole.”
Lee Parkin commented: “I am very humbled. To be told that I am English Schools Rugby League Teacher of the Year is a pretty big thing and I am very proud. I had no idea Leeds Rugby Foundation had nominated me for this award and it came as a complete surprise so thank you to everyone.”
Listen to interviews from David Gent, David Oxley CBE, Keith Senior and Lee Parkin below: