Hull KR Community Awards presented by Hudgell Solicitors

Nominate a Rugby League grassroots hero for the chance to win £1000 for your club!

Our friends at Hudgell Solicitors are once again providing thousands of pounds worth of funding to local community rugby league teams for sports kits and equipment for the entire rugby league family including the women’s game, wheelchair rugby league and disability rugby league.

For the second year running, Hull KR and Hudgells Solicitors are celebrating all the dedicated work being done by volunteers and are asking local sporting communities across Hull and East Yorkshire to nominate outstanding individuals for our awards in 2023 who work tirelessly for the game.

Four winners will each receive a cash prize of £1,000 to be spent on kit and equipment at their amateur club, they will also be presented with their award at the Hull KR vs Salford Red Devils fixture on Friday 15th September, kick off 8pm at Sewell Group Craven Park and, along with a guest, enjoy the club’s corporate hospitality.

There are four nomination categories in the Hull KR Community Awards 2023 presented by Hudgell Solicitors and these are the qualities that we’re looking for to crown this year’s winners:

• Volunteer of the Year - A person who has provided exceptional service to the game and made a measurable difference in their community by going ‘above and beyond’ to foster participation and inclusivity.
• Rugby League Community Club of The Year - We’re looking for a club that has enhanced participation and enjoyment as well as demonstrating inclusivity. The club is recognised as an integral part of their local community.
• Women In League - An outstanding female advocate for the advancement of women in league. The winner will have encouraged more girls and women to participate in the game or been integral to the successful running and growth of the club.
• Young Person of The Year - Anyone under the age of 25 who is volunteering for or playing with a club or a school team and making a positive contribution to their team, club or wider community. 

Helen Saunders, Marketing Manager at Hudgell Solicitors, says the effects of last year’s awards has had a big impact, “There were four winners which meant £4,000 was spent on kit and training equipment in grassroots clubs.

“We want to see that continue and we want to let those communities know that all their hard work in supporting young people in the sport is recognised. It’s certainly a big ‘thank you!’

“Giving back to communities has been part of our work at Hudgells for the last 25 years, and like ourselves, Hull KR is an organisation which is committed to getting as many people as possible to participate and enjoy the sport.”

Last year there were over 100 nominations recognising the endless hard work of community clubs and individuals who provide the starting blocks for younger generations.

The 2022 winners were:

Megan Mills - Women in League

Megan was the only female referee in Hull. Having played just over a season for the Hull KR Girls she took a refereeing course and has never looked back.

Drew Docherty - Junior Volunteer of the Year

Drew was recognised for his role in promoting his local club Hull Dockers to grow the grassroots game. At school level, he led his year group, garnering new players to ensure they could field a team. He also showed commitment to the age groups below by leading training and practice sessions, encouraging current and new players to participate.

Paul Hussey - Coach of the Year

As one nominee put it, “Without Paul Hussey they would be no Hull Dockers under 9s team." Nominees also highlighted his ability to develop players by making the sport fun for children and his dedication to ensuring every child is involved in training and match days. Paul was also recognised for developing the girl’s game and fielding an all-girls team.

Alan Parker - Outstanding Contribution to Rugby League

For decades, Alan has been known as Hull’s Mr Rugby League. In his role with the City of Hull & District Rugby League he has led both the Open Age and Youth leagues.

Deadline

The deadline for nominations is Thursday 7th September. Judging will take place on Friday 8th September and winners will be contacted the same day and invited to Hull KR versus Salford Red Devils on Friday 15th September and presented with their awards at a half-time ceremony.

How to enter

Anyone can submit a nomination by completing the form here on the Hudgell Solicitors’ website.

Nominations will be reviewed by representatives from the RFL, Hull KR, Hull KR Foundation, and Hudgell Solicitors who make up the judging panel.

So, if there’s an unsung ‘hero’ at your club or team let us know and help get them the recognition they deserve as well as the opportunity to boost the clubs funding.