The Great Hall at Wembley provided a wonderful venue for the 2011 National Volunteer Awards as eight volunteers from across the UK were rewarded for their tireless voluntary work at grass roots level.

“The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final is one of the biggest games in the Rugby League calendar and gave us the perfect opportunity to thank the award winners for their efforts,” said Kelly Barrett, RFL Community Game Services Manager.

“I’d like to congratulate them on their achievements and hope that they had a great day at Wembley.”

The winners were chosen by an independent panel following their success in the regional volunteer awards.

This year’s winners are:
Volunteer of the Year – Joe Shepherd (Nottingham Outlaws/Nottingham University/Midlands)
Young Volunteer – Alasdair McGregor (Ulverston/Cumbria)
Volunteer Coordinator – Katrina Daw (Normanton Knights/Yorkshire)
Coach of the Year – Phillippa Robson (Brixton Bulls/London)
Children’s Coach of the Year – Chris Reynolds (West London Academy/London)
Grounds Person of the Year – Stephen Bell (Golbourne Parkside/North West)
Unsung Hero – Sam Armstrong (North West Counties 13-15/North West)
League for All – Peterlee ARLFC (North East)

Meanwhile during the half time interval, representatives from Leigh Miners Rangers were on hand to receive the Carnegie Community Club of the Year award.

The award – which is presented to the community side judged to have performed best in this year’s Carnegie Challenge Cup – has been presented for the last three years and after some superb performances Leigh have scooped the 2011 award.

The Hatton’s Solicitors National Conference League side saw off fellow Premier Division side West Hull 26-10 in round one, before accounting for fierce local rivals Wigan St Patricks in round two.

The Rangers bowed out of this year’s competition with a tremendous performance against Co-operative Championship Barrow Raiders, eventually succumbing 56-26.