The Rugby Football League are proud to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Community Volunteer Awards, recognising eight outstanding volunteers and one community club whose dedication and contribution continue to make a lasting impact across the game.
The 2026 awards have seen a fantastic number of nominations, showcasing the incredible passion, commitment and community spirit that exists throughout rugby league. The RFL would like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate a volunteer and celebrate their contribution, as well as recognising the countless individuals who give their time and energy to help make our sport stronger at every level.
Members of the RFL Community Game Strategic Advisory Group (formerly 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 the Betfred Super League Grand Final.
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
- Community Club of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Michael Woods - Thatto Heath Crusaders
Michelle Dalton - Upton ARLFC
Mark Hobin MBE - Portico Vine
Coach of the Year
Andrew Garnett - Blackpool Stanley
Barry Barton - Haresfinch
Kieron Hammond - Woodlands Warriors
Junior coach of the Year
Dean Arundel - Dewsbury Moor
James Hamer - Kings Cross Park RLFC
Mark Wells - Warrington Girls
Women and girls champion
Becki Thresh - Stanley Rangers
Sarah Abbott - Bassetlaw Bulldogs
Aimee Wood - Widnes Vikings Women
Grounds Person of the Year
Noel Dean – Doncaster Toll Bar ARLFC
Gerard Hurst - Shevington Sharks
Simon Lumb - Kings Cross Park RLFC
Social RL Volunteer of the Year
John Paul Thompson - Westhoughton Lions
Jack Stearman – Pocklington Touch RL
Tony Prescott - Edinburgh Cannons
Our League Life Award
Jake Webster - Widnes Masters
Paul Farrell - West Bank Bears
Shaw Cross Sharks
Tackle It Award
Becci Nicholls - Warrington Girls
Jake Webster - Widnes Masters
Axel Foley - Accrington Wildcats
Community Club of the Year
Shaw Cross Sharks
Portico Vine
Dewsbury Celtic RLFC
