A Shropshire rugby coach is celebrating after he scooped a prestigious award from the RFU for his work in running the game at his local club.Phil Smith, who joined Telford Hornets in 1974, was Club Volunteer of the Year after coaching and playing at all levels of the club.
He is currently coach of the first XV at the Town Park-based outfit and received his award during a special ceremony held at Worcester Rugby Club.
Smith, who was 15 when he joined the club, was surprised at being chosen for the honour after seeing the experience of some of his follow nominees.
He said: “For my nomination, there was 16 other nominations from all different clubs.
“Some of the nominees had been with their clubs for 40 or 50 years.” He added: “There are 68 different clubs in the North Midlands areas and there were 250 people attending.”
Smith was given the award after judges learned of his work in running many different parts of the club over the last 32 years.
In addition to his duties on the pitch, he has also played a huge part behind the scenes in helping the club run smoothly.
He said: “I have helped with many different projects that the club have undertaken in the past, as well as behind the bar in the early days.
“I have painted, cleaned and polished the club in the past and have been groundsman for the past five years.
“I have even cleaned manholes and been a general dogsbody, along with grasscutting and parking pitches on matchdays.”
Picture: Telford Hornets Rugby Club stalwart Phil Smith, right, receives his RFU community award from club captain Mark Shaw.
By James Shaw
3 Comments
Well done Phil - a just reward for all you’ve done for Telford RFC
You are a top bloke Phil. You have been the heartbeat of the club for many years. Remember Moseley away Coach?? Well done.
nice one mate, were all chuffed
for you at station rufc, your brother would be proud of you
good on yer, sledge and all ex station players