Hoppers racing to say THANKS 
It was a virtual `Night
at the Races' for Preston Grasshoppers' Youth Rugby when they took time to thank
all their Volunteers - now numbering over 80 - for the incalculable hours of
coaching and administrative work, effort and expertise offered to maintain the
flourishing organisation at Lightfoot Green, Fulwood.
Arranging a social night at
the Club, formed around the well-tried formula of filmed races, Hoppers' Mini
Juniors embraced the Sport England `Volunteer Investment Programme' and the
RFU's ethos in recognising the success and enthusiasm that continues to drive
forward the many Volunteers connected to Sunday morning rugby at Grasshoppers.
By way of complimentary
tickets, all the Volunteers - plus their long-suffering partners - were invited
to the Race Night as 'VIPs' and the organisers took time out to celebrate some
individual achievements during this inaugural, annual occasion.
John Bamber, senior
First Aider with the Juniors for over 21 years and one of the best known faces
at Lightfoot Green, became the first recipient of the Dutton Forshaw `VIP'
Trophy.
Introduced this season,
the new addition to the trophy cabinet acknowledges an exceptional contribution
by a Volunteer towards Mini, Junior and Youth rugby at Preston Grasshoppers.
John's involvement with
medical assistance at the Club even pre-dates its move to the current facilities
in the early 1970's.
Angela Capstick, the
voice of 'Hoppers Hotline' the youngsters' pitch and fixture information
service, received a special 'Thank You' in recognition of her outstanding
support to the behind-the-scenes activities of the RFU 'Seal of Approval' and
Sport England 'Clubmark' accredited organisation.
These, and the other
recipients of the Volunteer Investment Programme `VIP' certificates, represent
the accomplishment of the Hoppers' set-up which in recent years has translated
to the youngsters' on-pitch achievements.
(NB Some individuals
were not present on the night. A full list of the Volunteers recognised in this,
the first season that Hoppers has embraced the VIP programme appears in the Cups
& Awards listings elsewhere.
President of the
Mini-Juniors, and principal sponsor Hugh Duckworth said, "Adopting this Sport
England inspired event follows many years of Hoppers' Mini Juniors recognising
its adult helpers in many ways, and these will continue. However, the idea of a
inviting our Volunteers to join a special evening such as this represents an
extra fillip to an extraordinary group."
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