Saturday 23rd September saw ambassador clubs from across the city come together for a special celebration to recognise the contributions of volunteers, club secretaries, coaches, players and supporters of community rugby league in the city at the annual celebration of Rugby League dinner
The dinner involved 22 awards in total, including the John Ahm Lifetime Achievement Award and the John Holmes Memorial Award, along with awards for an individual nominee from each club represented at the event.
Speaking to guests and presenting awards at the dinner were Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington and Leeds-born stars Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Jordan Lilley and Liam Sutcliffe who talked about their memories of grassroots rugby league and the mentors who helped them in their early years playing the game.
Now in its 10th year, the Celebration of Rugby League Dinner supported by One Call Building Solutions also paid tribute to the work of Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the Rugby League Development plan for the city sponsored by Mears with a presentation on the delivery from the charity this year.
Taking home the John Holmes Memorial Award on the day was Cliff Furness from Oulton Raiders whose close association with the Oulton club over a 55-year period has seen him take on many roles within the club including player, coach and administrator and is an avid spectator to this day.
Winning the John Ahm award for his services to community rugby league was Damian Mawson from Hunslet Warriors. Damian coached both open age teams as well as assisting with five junior age groups at the club last year at the club, an individual effort recognised by everyone at the Warriors this year.
This years lists of nominees recognised by their clubs and all winning awards were:
Gage Dawkins – Thornhill Trojans
Marie Keenaghan – East Leeds
Helen Schofield – Guiseley Rangers
Dave McCabe – Methley Warriors
Madeleine Hegarty – North Leeds Leopards
Emma King – Stanley Rangers
Louise Orbell – Stanningley
Rose Kelly – Whinmoor Warriors
Maria Watts – Milford Marlins
Damian Mawson – Hunslet Warriors
Jenny Smith – West Leeds
Simon Leach – Drighlington
Gareth Gilbert – Farnley Falcons
Stevie Rae – Bramley RL
Cliff Furness – Oulton Raiders
Chris Shaw – Garforth Tigers
Steve Walker – Chapeltown Cougars
Lynne Longfield – Leeds Irish
Phil and Lisa Wyard – York Acorn
Dan Winner – Batley Boys
Congratulations to all nominees this year and big thanks to our event sponsors this year, Berry's, One Call Solutions and TW Steel.
For a full photo gallery of the day visit the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LeedsRhinosFoundation/