The Rugby Football League are delighted to reveal the shortlist for the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding commitment and contributions of eight volunteers from across the game.
This year saw a remarkable increase in nominations, reflecting the strength and passion of the rugby league community. The RFL would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who was nominated, and to acknowledge the incredible efforts of all those who continue to make a huge difference at every level of the sport.
Members of the RFL Community Board will now cast their vote to determine the winners in each category. The awards will be presented at club events throughout the autumn, with all winners formally announced at the end of October.
The winners will also be invited to their choice of the Betfred Super League Grand Final or the first ABK Beer Ashes Test at Wembley Stadium.
The eight categories for this year are:
- Volunteer of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Junior coach of the Year
- Women and girls champion
- Grounds Person of the Year
- Social RL Volunteer of the Year
- Our League Life Award
- Tackle It Award
Volunteer of the Year
Rod McFarlane – Upton ARLFC
Craig Teague – Blackpool Scorpions ARLFC
Dean Armstrong – Moorends Marauders ARLFC
Kelly Colvin – West Craven Warriors
Nicola Smith – Moldgreen ARLFC
Maria Wild – Keighley Albion ARLFC
Coach of the Year
Shaun Lunt – Mirfield ARLFC
John Moran – Liverpool Lions
Mathew Danville – Skirlaugh ARLFC
Junior coach of the Year
Martyn Dickinson – Ackworth Jaguars
Lauren Exley – East Leeds
Andrew Blythe – Bassetlaw Bulldogs
Women and girls champion
Julie Lumb – Shawcross Sharks
Sara McDaid – Dewsbury Moor
Dean Kenny – Ince Rose Bridge Pantheresses
Grounds Person of the Year
Noel Dean – Doncaster Toll Bar ARLFC
John Weston – Stanningley
David Newton and David Cross – Egremont Rangers
Social RL Volunteer of the Year
Helen Hynes – Thatto Heath Crusaders
Jack Stearman – Pocklington Touch
Kevin Hattersley – Wigan Warriors Foundation
Our League Life Award
Barrow Island Oldies – Barrow Island
Dean Chadwick – Wigan
Lisa Riches – Sheffield Hawks
Tackle It Award
Sue Cater – Bradford Bulls Wheelchair
Mark Ward – Sheffield Eagles LDSL
Michelle Melling – England PDRL
