Premiership Rugby remains resolute in its responsibility to “use the power of professional rugby to help communities deliver sustainable change” after unveiling the winners of its 2023 Community Awards.
A ceremony held at the Houses of Parliament in London saw an attentive and at times emotional audience celebrate the achievements of four inspirational individuals as they collected their awards. Each has either personally benefitted from, or helped deliver, Premiership Rugby’s community programmes which have helped over 250,000 young people this season alone to fulfil their potential through the power of rugby.
The 2023 Premiership Rugby Community Award Winners are:
Rugby Ambassador of the Year - Morgan Lidster, Bath Rugby: Morgan found it difficult to participate in sport throughout school life due to a lack of confidence associated with Down Syndrome and learning disabilities. Fast forward a year and after joining the Project Rugby community programme at Bath Rugby Foundation as part of his Bath College life skills course, Morgan’s journey accelerated going from quiet, passive and shy to feeling comfortable, confident and included. Now a regular at the Walcott Warriors Mixed Ability Rugby Team, Morgan flourished on and off the pitch. He went from avoiding being touched to being lifted in line-outs and feels secure enough to travel independently to fixtures and to college. He also won the Warriors’ Most Improved Player of the Season accolade out of 40 other team-mates.
Outstanding Achiever of the Year - Evan Vestey, Gloucester Rugby: Following years of hospitalisation, Evan showed remarkable courage to better herself and build self-belief which is helping her to achieve her full potential. Starting on the HITZ programme Evan had not spent more than a few days in education. Born female but identifying as ‘he’, Evan suffered horrific bullying at school. Missing out on being a child and lacking social interaction affected her mental health culminating in a prolonged period in hospital. In just 15 weeks at HITZ, Evan made a remarkable achievement by passing all exams. Continuing the momentum, Evan applied for a Higher Education course in Sports Science at Hartpury College University, securing a place to start in September.
Community Volunteer of the Year - Marie Chambers, Newcastle Falcons: Marie boundlessly gives to others despite her own physical challenges and health issues. She helps participants to believe opportunities exist for everyone, and her nurturing approach produces the confidence in many to take the most important first steps to turning their lives around and achieve what they never thought possible like securing employment for the first time or breaking a cycle of dependency. Marie volunteers on average 20 hours a week and converses passionately about the important work of the Newcastle Falcons Foundation to everyone from spectators to Board directors, making her an invaluable member of the local community.
Community Coach of the Year - Alex Randall, Bath Rugby: Alex has displayed unwavering support for young people over the last two years in his role as a Community Coach delivering a multitude of programmes including Project Rugby. Leading the first Mixed Ability team in Wiltshire, Melksham Stags, has embedded him firmly in the community and seen him transition over 40 young players into the grassroots club. His empathetic, nurturing and supportive coaching style helps young people to turn their lives around through rugby. Alex has introduced over 60 new players to teams across the south-west this season alone, and breaks down skills into achievable sections to improve confidence whilst providing an energetic environment to make his sessions enjoyable.
Wayne Morris, Community, and CSR Director for Premiership Rugby and a Board member of the Sport for Development Coalition, commented: “We continue to work diligently to gain a deeper understanding of the young people we engage with and what is important to them. This approach has proven invaluable when building confidence and engagement to help them take steps to fulfil their potential.
“Going into next season we are resolute in our responsibility to use the power of professional rugby to help communities deliver sustainable change. Change not only for individuals but change which tackles inequality and protects communities. Today, we have been honoured to be surrounded by a collection of incredible young people, mentors, coaches and volunteers – congratulations to all our Community Award winners.”
Visit www.premiershiprugby.com/community to find out more.
