Volunteer Recognition

Shortlist for 2025 Community Volunteer Awards Revealed

10 Sep 2025

Volunteer

Community Rugby League heroes to be recognised in the 2025 Community Volunteer Awards

7 Jul 2025

Volunteer

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARDS:

The Community Volunteer Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of volunteers across the community game.

Nominations for 2026 will open on July 27th.

Here are your 2025 winners:

Volunteer of the Year - Craig Teague

Coach of the Year - John Moran

Junior Coach of the Year - Andrew Blythe

Grounds Persons of the Year - David Newton & David Cross

Our League Life Award - Barrow Island Oldies

Tackle It Award - Michelle Melling

Women and Girls Champion - Julie Lumb

Social RL Volunteer of the Year - Helen Hynes

2026 AWARDS CATEGORIES:

Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to their club, organisation, or the wider sport through voluntary service. This person may have had an impact in a variety of areas, including (but not limited to) coaching, team management, fundraising, event delivery, governance, facility maintenance, volunteer coordination, administration, or community engagement. Their dedication, leadership, and passion have made a lasting difference to the rugby league community.

Coach of the Year

Awarded to an Open Age Coach who has consistently created a positive and inclusive environment, enabling players to enjoy the game while reaching their full potential. This coach demonstrates exemplary leadership, embodying the core values of rugby league - United, Professional, Excellent, Respect - both on and off the field. Consideration may also be given to evidence of sustained team improvement over time.

Junior Coach of the Year

Awarded to a coach working with junior players (Under-18 and below) who has created a fun, safe, and inclusive environment where young people are supported in developing core skills, sound technique, and positive behaviours. This coach plays a pivotal role in helping players enjoy their introduction to rugby league and build a lifelong connection to the sport.

Grounds Person of the Year

Awarded to an unsung hero who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to pitch preparation and maintenance, ensuring a safe, high quality playing and training surface for club. This person consistently goes above and beyond, showing pride in their work, a willingness to learn, and dedication to developing the skills required to excel as a grounds person.

Women and Girls Champion

Awarded to a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to the development and growth of the Women and Girls game. This individual has either created new opportunities or significantly enhanced existing ones, helping to strengthen pathways across playing, coaching, officiating, or leadership roles. They demonstrate passion, commitment, and a drive to empower more women and girls to participate and thrive in all aspects of rugby league.

Our League Life Award

Awarded to an individual volunteer or group of volunteers who have led or significantly contributed to a community-focused initiative that has delivered a demonstrable positive social impact. We are looking for examples of how volunteers have used the power of rugby league to improve the physical, social, or mental wellbeing of members of their community. The initiative should address at least one of the following areas: tackling inequalities, promoting social justice, or fostering social cohesion. Nominations should highlight measurable outcomes and community engagement.

Social Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to a dedicated volunteer who has played a key role in supporting the delivery of X-League, Masters, or Touch Rugby League. Whether through administration, coordination, or match-day support, this individual has used social rugby league as a powerful tool to keep people engaged with the sport, rekindle former players' involvement, and create inclusive opportunities for people to stay active, connected, and part of the rugby league community.

Tackle It Award

Awarded to a passionate volunteer who has made a significant contribution to disability rugby league, including Wheelchair, Physical Disability, or Learning Disability formats. This individual has shown unwavering commitment to growing the game, supporting participants, and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive.