STUDENTS and staff of Richmond School and Sixth Form College are among 14 volunteers honoured by Yorkshire RFU for their contribution to rugby.

Every year, Yorkshire RFU as clubs to nominate their outstanding volunteers and their contribution is recognised at the Mitsubishi Volunteer Awards Evening.

From Richmond School, two students, two teachers, and a former students and former teacher have been recognised for their efforts.

This year, the event will be held virtually, and is hosted by the RFU’s chief executive and England World Cup Winner Mike Tindall MBE, and the president and chair of Yorkshire RFU.

Sid Rye and Amy Simpson, Year 10 students at Richmond School, have been recognised for their dedication to supporting and coaching the Under 6 Micros each Sunday morning at Richmondshire RUFC.

With 20 children, aged between two and six, the students are kept busy and look forward to the weekly training. Under the watchful eye of Gareth Hastie, Micros Coach and Captain of the Second Team, Sid and Amy, as team leaders, are responsible for setting up the training sessions and helping to coach the young players. Gareth said: “With so many children to look after, their support is invaluable and they are highly respected by the children who really appreciate and enjoy their encouragement. They are great assets to the club and do a terrific job."

Sid has been a volunteer for three seasons and is looking forward to being able to get back to coaching when it is safe to do so. He said: “Coaching the Under 6s has been great. It has helped me to get involved within the community and also learn new skills and dealing with coaching rugby at grass roots level.” Amy said: “Since helping with the U6s, I’ve enjoyed seeing the young children develop through the season, become more confident and developed their skills.

"It’s nice to see children of that age getting outside in a friendly environment, no matter what the weather, and having fun. Helping Gareth has also given me confidence with dealing with people which will help me in the future.”

Jack Moore and Rachael Harrower, PE teachers, and both experienced players, are in the roll of honour for their commitment to rugby at Richmond School and Sixth Form College and their work with the RFU’s CBRE All Schools programme which aims to increase the number of secondary state schools playing rugby union and to encourage new players to join local clubs.

Mr Moore has been instrumental in coordinating the programme at school, creating better links with the RFU through community coach Richie Young, and the festivals they have organised to get more young people playing more rugby. A highlight for Miss Harrower has been supporting the opportunity for girls being able to play rugby, which is now extremely popular with the Year 7 and Year 8 students in school.

Mr Moore said: “The impact it has on people's teamwork skills, from communication, to cooperation, to leadership and respect are all added reasons we encourage participation in our young people. For anyone who has ever been interested in trying rugby, I couldn't recommend it enough. There are plenty of opportunities both in school and at a local level. Find your nearest club and get involved.”

As well as being a key volunteer at Richmondshire RUFC and a player at Mowden Park, Charlotte Lewis regularly comes into school to support extra-curricular rugby, sharing her knowledge and skill with the students.

The volunteers that have been recognised for their contribution to rugby in Richmond are: Andrew Down, Julia Greaves, Gareth Hastie, Rachael Harrower, Kat Hastie, Nick Hunter, Charlotte Lewis, Tracey Mcanally, Jack Moore, Jon Moulding, Graeme Newton, Andy Nimmo, Debbie Pollard, Sid Rye, Amy Simpson and Roger Swainston.

For further information about Richmondshire RUFC visit https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/richmondshire/.