February Volunteer of The Month

Volunteer of the Month – February

It is with immense gratitude and appreciation that we announce this month’s Volunteer of the Month award – and this time, we have two incredible winners!

Our club simply wouldn’t exist without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers. Every success, every achievement, and every step forward is made possible by those who selflessly give their time and energy to support our mission. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our club, and their efforts shape not just our present but also the future of our community.

We are beyond grateful for every single person who contributes, and this month, we are thrilled to recognise two outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond. Their passion and commitment inspire us all, and we can’t thank them enough for everything they do!

Congratulations to both of you and we hope you enjoy a pint or two with £10 recognition that we will add to your card.

So lets start with Brian Stratford – Coach in the youths section

I would like to nominate Brian Straftord, the Under 13s coach, for Volunteer of the Month at NARFC. Despite being new to the cohort of boys, Brian has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to not only developing the team’s skills but also fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the group.

Brian’s passion for coaching is evident in his approach to nurturing every player, regardless of their skill level. He works tirelessly to develop the stronger players while investing significant time and effort into those who are newer or less confident. His impact has been profound, with many players experiencing a noticeable boost in their confidence, not just in rugby but also in their personal growth.

Throughout his time with the team, Brian has faced his fair share of challenges. Brian’s resilience and dedication have been unwavering, and his ability to remain calm, respectful, and focused on the bigger picture is a testament to his commitment to the team’s success.

Beyond his work with the players, Brian encourages a true sense of community and family within the club. He has actively promoted involvement from the teams wider family, whether by encouraging them to dress up for Octoberfest, coaching trainee referees, supporting them to pursue coaching, first aid, and safeguarding courses. His focus on strengthening the bonds within the club has made a tangible difference in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved.

Brian’s unwavering dedication and genuine care for both the players and their families exemplify the values of our rugby club. His efforts deserve recognition and his hard work will continue to have a lasting, positive impact on the team and the club as a whole.

And last but not least, Craig “Lewy” Lewis – Coach in the youth’s section

I’d like to nominate Lewy Lewis as one of the coaches in that youth set-up, not just proudly supporting his son Grayson but ensuring the kids get every chance to be the best that they can be and thrive under caring and committed people/mentors like Lewy. He’s inspirational, a proper good egg, and I think even more praise on his head wouldn’t do any harm!

As a man who does many things in his life, he’s a full-on, hat-wearing professional, and he remains committed to giving his time to the club to support the youngsters. As a man who wears many hats himself, I know this isn’t always easy.

Please get your entries in for the Volunteer of the Month award for March now, please help us recognise the other volunteering superstars among us.