Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025
Over 60 nominee’s gathered at Ashfield RUFC for the 2025 Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards on Saturday 19 April…
Volunteers were nominated by their clubs in three categories:
Unsung Hero – A volunteer or group of volunteers who have gone above and beyond to create positive experiences
Game for All – An individual or a group of volunteers who have developed an inspiring offer to make the game more accessible and attract new audiences, or created a flexible and engaging offer to retain current players
Connecting the Community – An individual or a group of volunteers who have strengthened the club/organisation’s presence within the local community, helping to establish the club/organisation as a central part of community life
Furthermore, NLD was able to nominate 5 volunteers to go forward to the national final; 2 of these nominees have been selected and invited to attend the National Event at Allianz Stadium.
Below are a full list of nominees in each category, along with pictures and summaries of the citations for some of those who attended the award ceremony.
Connecting the Community
Full list of Club Nominees:
MATTHEW AND FIONA GAVIN – ROLLS ROYCE RFC
SKYE ROBERTS – SLEAFORD RFC
JORDON WHITE – TUPTON RFC
SEAN TALMA – OLLERTON RFC
TUPTON MINI/JUNIOR SECTION: CHRISTOPHER KIRKWOOD, JESSE ANDREWS, ZOE BARRACLOUGH, PHIL PARTRIDGE, MICHELLE BIRD, JORDAN WHITE & ROB McGEECHAN – TUPTON RFC
Jordan modernised Tupton Rugby Club’s communication by overhauling its social media strategy, ensuring a strong presence across multiple platforms. He tailored approaches to each platform’s unique audience, significantly enhancing the club’s visibility and engagement with stakeholders.
Sean has transformed Ollerton Rugby Club through discipline, professionalism, and community ties.
His leadership has led to the club’s success, currently second in the table. Sean also contributes to youth rugby development and fundraising, showcasing his dedication to the sport’s growth and community engagement.
The Mini/Junior Section at Tupton was revitalised by forming a dedicated Management Group and recruiting volunteers. This team reviewed needs, allocated roles, and implemented changes, leading to growth and improved organisation.
Their flexibility and commitment have significantly benefited the section and the wider club, enhancing the rugby experience for all.
Game for All
Full list of Club Nominees:
NOTTINGHAM MODERNS U17/18 (BOYS) COACHES: MATT DRAPER, MATT MONAGHAN, CARL WIGGAN, DAVID HOOD, ELLIOT RAWSON, LISA SKIDMORE, NICK CARROLL, & ALAN AVERY – NOTTINGHAM MODERNS RFC
STEVE HEATH DRURY – SCUNTHORPE RFC
DARREN DOLBY – STAMFORD RFC
NLDRFU WOMEN’S U18 COACHING TEAM: ANDREW McMAHON, SAM SCOTT, STEVE HOGG, MARTIN ROBERTS
This group has developed a successful colt squad from diverse backgrounds, integrating U17 and U18 players seamlessly.
Key contributors include Matt Draper mentoring coaches, Matt Monaghan coordinating referees, Alan Avery aiding transitions to senior rugby, and Lisa Smith managing fixtures.
Their efforts have led to significant player achievements and strengthened community ties at Nottingham Moderns RFC.
The team has also encouraged community involvement through NLDRFU’s Youth Council, enhancing the club’s future prospects.
The NLD U18 Women’s coaching team has shown exceptional dedication to developing women’s rugby, ensuring players continue their journey into adulthood.
Despite challenges like weather disruptions, their compassion and belief have empowered young women to persevere, fostering resilience and a lifelong passion for the sport.
Their efforts have strengthened the future of women’s rugby in the NLD.
Unsung Hero
Here is the full list of Club Nominations:
SAMANTHA BRAGG – AMBER VALLEY RFC
NIKKI TURNER – BAKEWELL MANNERIANS RFC
STEPHANIE LOVICK – BAKEWELL MANNERIANS RFC
ELIZABETH TAYLOR – BUXTON RFC
KEVIN DAVIDSON – CLEETHORPES RFC
PHIL CASS – CLEETHORPES RFC
DAMON WHEWELL – DERBY RFC
HALEY STREET – GAINSBOROUGH RFC
NATHAN MITCHELL – GAINSBOROUGH RFC
MICHAEL OSBORN – KESTEVEN RFC
MARTYN PARKER – KESTEVEN RFC
KELLY SAUNDERS – KESTEVEN RFC
LOUISE BUDGEN – LINCOLN RFC
GARETH BEES – LINCOLN RFC
RUSSELL MAKINSON – LINCOLN RFC
SIMON GREEN – LINCOLN RFC
DEREK BURROWS – LINCOLN RFC
JAMES McMAHON – NOTTINGHAM CORSAIRS RFC
CLIVE FORD – OLLERTON RFC
TRISA MAHONEY – SCUNTHORPE RFC
ALAN BELL – SCUNTHORPE RFC
IAN LEE- SCUNTHORPE RFC
CLIODHNA McLARNON – SLEAFORD RFC
MARK BEESLEY – SLEAFORD RFC
PEPPA SAUNDERS – SPALDING RFC
RICHARD HARRISON – SPALDING RFC
ANDY DELAY – SPALDING RFC
CLARE TURNER – SPALDING RFC
CLAIRE SOLE – SPALDING RFC
CLAIRE CHRISTIE – SPALDING RFC
TOMAS PARKER – SPALDING RFC
NIKKI GALE – SPALDING RFC
MONICA PAKUKLIENE – SPALDING RFC
BEN MORGAN – STAMFORD COLLEGE OB RFC
DARREN DOLBY – STAMFORD RFC
VICKIE MILLER – STAMFORD RFC
BERNIE FENNER – STAMFORD RFC
JAI NAIRA – STAMFORD RFC
LOUISE WARREN – STAMFORD RFC
MICHAEL HARRIS – STAMFORD RFC
JOE PECK – STAMFORD RFC
DAISY ATLEE – STAMFORD RFC
DARREN GRAY – STAMFORD RFC
ROB RUSSELL – STAMFORD RFC
ROB McGEECHAN – TUPTON RFC
GREG HODGSON – NLDRFU REFEREES SOCIETY
Samantha, the club’s M&J fixtures secretary, is instrumental in supporting the kids.
She ensures they are fed on training days, organises activities during bad weather, coaches the U6s, and promotes the club. Her “recommend a friend” initiative has successfully recruited new members.
Known and loved by all, Samantha also coordinates travel plans and provides essential information for club visits.
Martyn Parker, a stalwart at Kesteven Rugby Club, founded the girls’ section and now coaches the ladies’ team and colts.
His inspirational coaching has led to significant improvements in the ladies’ team over the past 18 months, driven by his unwavering patience and determined attitude.
The coaches and manager of the Lincoln U16s team were instrumental in assisting the young players, parents, and the wider club when Sam Staple tragically and unexpectedly passed away at the start of the season, aged just 15.
In November, the coaches and manager worked with Sam’s family to give him a funeral that was fitting and sensitive, and every teammate and their parents attended to pay their respects. In every way, the coaches and manager have shown sensitivity, compassion, respect and support to their grieving.
They are the epitome of Rugby’s Core Values, and deserve to be acknowledged as such. Sam was a wonderful young man, and is missed deeply.
For 9 years, Trisa has volunteered at Scunthorpe RUFC, coaching girls’ rugby and creating a supportive team environment.
She helps young girls, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop skills and form lifelong friendships.
Her dedication has established a pathway from junior to senior rugby, positively impacting the girls’ lives and well-being.
Alan, a member of SRUFC since 1998, has significantly contributed to the club.
He planned, built and was responsible for financing the stand, sponsored lunches for 20 years, and devised sponsorship packages.
As President (2002-2004) and Sponsorship Chairman, he set up the ‘200 Club,’ crucial for fundraising.
His efforts have been vital to the club’s success.
Ian, the current Mini Junior Chair, manages 65 coaches and helpers, ensuring high coaching standards. He coaches his own son at U15s and supports his other two sons.
Ian coordinates sponsorship, providing match shirts within subscriptions at low cost, enhancing the overall experience for young players in a low-income area.
As a volunteer, Cliodhna has been instrumental in running the bar during matches, managing the club’s social media, and serving as medic for the senior team.
Her dedication ensures a great experience for everyone and exemplifies care and professionalism, significantly contributing to the club’s success and well-being.
Peppa is the ‘mother bee’ – always positive and a great role model
Richard supported a young player with autism to learn to participate in rugby.
He ensured that the player felt included – he has made new friends, gained confidence, and loves being part of the team, thanks to Richard’s quiet, supportive approach.
Andy has been volunteering his time for over 6 years at the club in various roles of coach and more recently for the last 4 years as groundsman and Facilities Manager.
His weekends throughout the season and summer months are spent insuring the pitches and facilities are kept to a very high standard within a limited budget.
These dedicated volunteers are part of a group who consistently respond to requests for help at the club without hesitation.
Their volunteer efforts in administration, the clubhouse, and shopping are invaluable, ensuring smooth operations week after week. Their hard work and commitment are truly commendable and essential to the club’s success.
Ben, the 1st team coach and club secretary, ensures the club runs smoothly by attending RFU courses, meetings, and coaching in all weather.
Despite challenges and limited facilities, he remains positive and dedicated, always with a smile.
His efforts are crucial to the club’s operations and aspirations.
Darren, an exceptional volunteer, has led the club shop for years, securing great deals and discounts.
He is also a dedicated fundraiser, organising a successful Burns Night that raised £1500 for the clubhouse refurbishment project.
His efforts are invaluable to the club’s success.
Rob is the club RugbySafe Lead and onsite doctor. He ensures the club meets all the requirements and is always on the premises for matches.
He ensures great follows ups happen with injured players.
Rob has developed the youth team setup while leading the first team to second in the league and the Papa Johns Cup Final in 2023/24.
This season, Tupton is unbeaten in the league, scoring 741 points (3rd best in the country) and conceding just 45 points (least in the country).
Greg’s unwavering dedication to rugby has left a lasting impact on the sport and community.
From junior referee to Level 6 official, he has elevated rugby at every level through tireless volunteer work.
Greg created a distinct referee identity for Paviors RFC Nottingham, served on the NLD Rugby appointment committee, and mentored future referees and players.
His support extends to Mansfield Rugby Club Women & Girls, Ollerton RUFC, and NLD Age Grade Rugby U16Ws DPP, earning positive feedback from coaches and players.
National Honda VOTY Nominations
The NLD Management Committee evaluated all of the nominations, and recommended the following to the National Honda VOTY Panel:
Connecting the Community:
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- Jordan White – Tupton RFC
Game for All:
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- Nottingham Moderns Colts Coaching Team
Unsung Hero:
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- Lincoln U16 Coaching Team
- Elizabeth Taylor – Buxton RFC
- Greg Hodgson – NLDRFU Referees Society
NLD RFU are pleased to announce that the following were selected as National Finalists:
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- Elizabeth Taylor – Buxton RFC
- Jordan White – Tupton RFC
Elizabeth and Jordan have been invited to the National Event scheduled for 8 August 2025 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
