In order to acknowledge the hard work and support that people give -unpaid - to the sport of Rugby League, the RFL will once again recognise and reward their effort through its Volunteer Awards Scheme.

North East Volunteer Awards

 
Each Region is responsible for promoting the awards and then selecting the winners. All winners will receive a trophy and the local professional clubs will be encouraged to provide hospitality and help promotion of the winners at a match.

Categories include;

• Young Volunteer of the Year supported by v (under 25 as at 1 July 2011) - they are reliable, trust-worthy and have made a valuable contribution to your club

• "Volunteer of the Year" - who makes an outstanding contribution to the running of the club, League, Service Area, school or any other means

• "Volunteer Coordinator of the Year" - person who recruits and coordinates other volunteers within the club and local community

• "Coach of the Year" - a coach who shown commitment to coaching and player development

All the regional winners will be put forward to the National Awards.

National Award

 
The National Awards will have the same categories as previously mentioned. 

All national winners (plus a guest) will be treated to a VIP day out at the 2011 Carnegie Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 27th August at Wembley Stadium. 

For further information or if you wish to be part of the scheme and which to receive the application forms please contact Community Game Services on 01484 448000 or email communitygameservices@rfl.uk.com or CLICK HERE to download the nomination form

Rob Jones - Gateshead Storm

This award is for someone who makes an outstanding contribution to the running of a Club, League, Service Area, School or any other means. Rob is involved with Gateshead Storm, North East Rugby League, Gateshead Thunder, NE1 FM and much more throughout the region.

Rob Laverick - Peterlee Pumas

This award is for the person who recruits and co-ordinates other volunteers within the club and local community. Rob is the Volunteer Coordinator at Peterlee Pumas coordinating coaches, administrators, child welfare officers and a whole host of volunteers.

Graeme Neighbour - Gateshead Thunder

This award is for a coach who shown commitment to coaching and player development; Graeme has done an outstanding job with Gateshead Thunder's u18's for the past few seasons and has developed numerous players who have now moved to the 1^st team.

Chris Prior - Wallsend Eagles

This award is for a coach who shown commitment to junior coaching and player development; Chris is the coach of Wallsend Eagles u10's team and throughout 2011 has shown huge dedication and commitment to the team who now regularly have over 15 players at training.

Dean Barnes - Warriors ARFLC

This award is given to a Volunteer who has made an outstanding difference to Rugby League; Dean is currently the Junior Head Coach of Warriors Rugby League, since the beginning of the season Dean has gradually increased his u10's team in numbers and now has u8's, 10's and 12's regularly playing and training at the club.

Michael Colman receiving the award on behalf of Peterlee Pumas.

This award recognizes the efforts made by clubs to reach out to different communities; Peterlee Pumas have been involved with the Easington Emotional Well being project, The Peterlee Show, started the inaugural North East RLC Women's team, hold regular touch rugby sessions and much more

Jan Robinson - Astley Community High School

This award is specifically for a teacher who has supported Rugby League in the school environment. Jan is a teacher at Astley High School, Northumberland and has been the driving force behind the success of her Year 10 girl's team who reached the Champion Schools National Festival this year.