Blackshaws Northumberland Rugby Volunteer of the Year 2025

Blackshaws Northumberland Rugby Volunteer of the Year 2025

Blackshaws would like to acknowledge volunteers for this year's rugby season by facilitating a ‘Blackshaws Northumberland Rugby Volunteer of the Year 2025 Award’. As a family-owned franchise car dealership in Alnwick and Morpeth, with a long heritage in Northumberland since 1919. We have sponsored many local charities and community groups over the years. This year we would like to celebrate the incredible people who keep our local rugby clubs thriving by facilitating this award.

We know that behind every successful rugby club are dedicated volunteers. We will be awarding prizes to our winner & two shortlisted volunteers in recognition of their incredible commitment & contribution to local rugby. A huge thank you to the clubs who took the time to nominate their volunteers. It’s been inspiring to read about so many people who give their time, energy and passion to support and grow rugby across Northumberland.

We have invited the winners and to come along to Blackshaws Morpeth from 28th July, to collect their award and prize in person. 

Winner 

Ben Rolls - Blyth RFC 

Prize; Trophy & overnight stay for 2 at Linden Hall Hotel with dinner, wine & breakfast

"Ben is the beating heart of Blyth RFC. He presides over many roles within this Club, as Fixture Secretary, Webmaster and Committee Member, not to mention player for Blyth at 2nds, Vets and as of this weekend, County as part of their recent Vets squad. That's only a fraction of what he does. Managing the U14's, he recognised a few years that the U13-17 Teams in both Blyth and Ashington did not possessing enough players for any one team. Working independently of both Clubs, he created Blyton RFC, using a combination of both Clubs colours he has ensured that 50 young lads have the framework to play rugby within one of the UK's most deprived parts of the Country. Blyton has went from strength to strength and it's through him that they now undertake the annual fundraiser at Kingston Park for the "Hogs" charity game the last one raised £7,000 for local cancer charities. His U14 as also been fully kitted out by the Arnold Clark Sports fund for the 25/26Season and it was in this kit that he organised a charity bike ride. Cycling over 100 miles both him, the coaches and his U14 squad raised over £1000 which also ensures that they can go on their own "tour" following next seasons conclusion. This, in addition to his annual murder mystery charity fundraisers are perhaps only a tiny fraction of what he does. In addition to being an all round nice guy any member of Blyth, Blyton and Ashington too can always rely on Ben to be a supportive and generous man who will assist in solving a persons problems now matter how large or small. For Ben to receive this award to us would be the natural and obvious choice- he embodies the qualities that make our sport and the phrase "the rugby family" such a unique and special one. He's a genuinely top bloke- kind, supportive and generous with his time. We are very lucky to have him at all levels of Blyth, and Blytons playing, training and back office roles." 

Runners Up 

Ron Borley - Northern FC 

Prize: Taste of SIX, dinner for two in the Baltic's rooftop restaurant

"Ron joined Northern FC as a player more than 50 years ago when his playing career finished he continued to support the club in many ways - Chair of mini/youth, team manager, Chair of House, Chair of Discipline, Safeguarding Officer and much more. Virtually every club development in the last 30 years has been initiated and managed by Ron, whether it be internal Club decorating, structural improvements, flood lighting for the pitches, fencing and many other external improvements. In addition Ron has supported the Club as Club President, County representative and has been active in the management of the Club Trading Arm. During the playing season Ron arranges the travel, team kit (for every team in the Club) and team hospitality. For the last two years Ron has been Chair of Rugby which involves management of all aspects of rugby, all age groups and both male and female participation. This role sees Ron at the Club at least 5 days a week and every training and match day. Ron is any Club's dream volunteer, when a job need doing Ron will take it on without question or being asked. He can be found at the Club virtually every day of the week either undertaking routine tasks or ensuring that normal activities are undertaken. He is the archetypical volunteer without whom no Club could do without - recognition for his numerous years of volunteering is long overdue."

Paul Frater - Alnwick RFC 

Prize: £50 Turnbulls gift voucher

"Paul has been an excellent coach and ambassador for Alnwick for the last 10 years. He stepped in to look after the U12 age group who had lost their coach and were at risk of folding. He kept the group going and through effort and volunteering at Duchess high school encouraged others to take up rugby increasing the squad size to a sustainable number to maintain the group. The group went onto compete in junior rugby sucessfully for the next 4 years and then continued as our Colts coach in the Scottish Borders junior league. As Paul steps back to help senior rugby sides again next year he can be very proud in his efforts of maintaining competitive social rugby for 28 young men in that group including several tours including Northern Ireland and latterly New Zealand with the senior sides. Paul has volunteered tirelessly for the club during this time and regularly gone beyond the norm with fundraising events and social activities. Alnwick RFC have been extremely lucky to have had Paul's support and help. Long may it last. Thankyou Paul."

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Terms and Conditions 

Only nominations from Northumberland Rugby clubs will be accepted. Nominees must be over the age of 18 and a UK resident. Nominations must be submitted by 25th June 2025. Nominations must be submitted via the online form. No other entries will be accepted. When nominating a volunteer, you must have permission from the nominee to share their details. Each club can only nominate up to 2 volunteers for the award. Nominations will be shortlisted by an independent panel of individuals appointed by Blackshaws. Blackshaws reserves the right at any time and from time to time to: (i) void, cancel, suspend, amend, modify or discontinue, temporarily or permanently, the Northumberland Rugby Volunteer of the Year award with or without prior notice due to reasons outside their control and/or where it becomes necessary to do so; and (ii) amend or modify these terms and conditions at any time.