Double reason to cheer for amateur rugby league club

As well as being named ‘Club of the Year’ at the RFL’s Community Awards, Sean McHugh was also named ‘Coach of the Year’.

And club secretary Mike Horrocks believes both awards were richly deserved on the back of years of hard work.

“Our membership now is up to 435 – across 22 teams in all – going from the age of four all the way up to our Masters team,” he said.

“There were much bigger clubs than us nominated, but to be recognised by an independent panel...we’re all over the moon to be honest.

“We’ve created a great environment, on and off the field.

“It’s all about the kids really, and trying to provide a pathway to the open-age teams, that’s what we’re aiming for.

On McHugh’s award, Horrocks added: “This is the fourth time Sean’s been nominated, and it’s great that he’s finally won.

“It’s not just his work with us, he’s also involved with the England Lionhearts side, who recently came back from a record-breaking tour of Italy, where they didn’t concede a single point.”

McHugh added: “Nobody does this for individual recognition, but it’s still nice to receive it.

“I don’t see it as an award just for me.

“I’m just really pleased because it’s recognition for a lot of people who help.”