The Tynedale Sports Awards were held at the Wentworth Leisure Centre on Sunday evening. The awards were hosted by International athlete, Alison Curbishley, and our own director of rugby, Scott Lawson.
The annual awards recognise sporting achievements across the area, however, this year Tynedale RFC youth section and in particular our girls (Panthers) section enjoyed considerable success.
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Holly Thorpe, an u18 Panthers player, was awarded young sportswoman of the year award. Holly started rugby at Tynedale as a mini & junior player, before graduating to the Panthers section at 12 years old. Since then Holly has gone on to achieve considerable success at club, county and North of England levels. Earlier this year Holly was also selected to join the England talented player development group. Holly's team last season (u15 Panthers) were also shortlisted for the team of the year and the Panthers section were recognised in the club of the year awards.

The girls success did not stop there. Long serving Tynedale youth coach, Nick Oliver, who has coached at the club for the past 19 years was also rewarded with the coach of the year award. This well deserved achievement follows his success as a boys coach for many years, before taking on the girls several seasons ago overseeing them on the journey to becoming one of the strongest girls team in the north. In addition to coaching Nick has previously been the chair of youth rugby at Tynedale.

After receiving the award Nick commented, " A good year for girls' rugby. I am so proud to have been selected as coach of the year, it may sound a bit corny but it really is a team effort - we have seven committed coaches, very supportive parents and most importantly increasing numbers of enthusiastic players."

The efforts of Tynedale stalwart and youth section treasurer, Dave Hewitson, were also recognised. Dave was shortlisted in the very competitive, services to sport - "unsung hero" category. Dave has been associated with the youth section for 25 years, initially as a parent coach, before overseeing increasingly complex financial affairs for the past two decades. After receiving his certificate of merit Dave commented, "Being nominated by my peers is very special and the words meant a lot."

I am sure everyone involved with Tynedale will join me in congratulating Holly, Nick & Dave. It is fantastic to see their efforts recognised in this way.

Gary Robson
Chair of Youth Rugby