Langholm Rugby Club makes shortlist for national award

Rugby

LANGHOLM Rugby Club has been shortlisted for a national award for its work in the community.
The club is delighted that it is in the final for the community club of the year award at the Scottish Sports Awards, the pinnacle in Scottish sport.
It has been described as “the perfect community club at the heart of the Muckle Toon. Their driven, well-qualified coaches and helpers are about more than just their sport”.
The club has made great progress in recent years and what it contributes to curricular and extra-curricular school sport and to life in the community fully justifies its position at the ceremony.
Calum Graham of Annandale and Eskdale Active Schools and Community Sport nominated the club for the award which is given to an outstanding amateur sports club which has made a real contribution to everyday life in the community.
In his nomination Calum said: “I have worked in sports development for 27 years and I can think of fewer clubs more suited for this award.
“It has worked extremely hard in the past 12 months to develop the club, build for the future and become a cornerstone of community sport and life in Langholm and the wider community.
“It strives to put rugby at the heart of the community by providing a safe and positive environment where rugby is learned, enjoyed and played in the true spirit of the game.
“It strives to make a difference to the lives of many young people from Langholm and surrounding communities regardless of gender, age or ability, with particular emphasis on culture, environment, coaching, playing objectives and core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.
“It delivers 20-plus sessions weekly in curricular and extra-curricular periods at Langholm Academy and its associated cluster primary schools, including nursery.
“It arranges teams and covers costs of all school transport to games, equipment and team kit for primary and secondary schools.
“It delivers health-related activities for schools and sports leadership, Duke of Edinburgh and Saltire awards.
Qualifications
“Club personnel gain recognised qualifications in coaching, refereering and first-aid.
“The club works with the Xcel Project and Active Schools to deliver holiday programmes and community events and organises attendance at Scotland games for large groups of young people.
“Club personnel have won awards, including lifetime achievement, year of young people, volunteer awards and coach of the year.
“The club lends its grounds and clubhouse to stage an outdoor festival which brings large economic benefits to a struggling town.
“It voluntarily maintains the school’s 3G pitch for use by other organisations and works with Langholm Regeneration Group on the bonfire and fireworks display.
Mural
“Members clear snow around the town, making it safe for the community and works with OutPost Arts on youth art projects, creating a mural which runs the length of the club’s grandstand.
“It works with Memory Scotland and the Day Centre on Alzheimer Scotland’s project which recalls rugby memories and kick-starts reminisces and conversations.
“It also delivers Bingo Bongo to raise funds for Langholm Playcare.”
He said the club had an excellent profile in the area through press, online and excellent relationships.
The club was sustainable with sound management, building a healthy, strong and flourishing future.
It was supremely connected in its community and nationally and had an excellent partnership with education and organisations.
He added: “To be shortlisted for this award, not to mention win it, is fantastic, worthwhile and valuable recognition for a club which no other club would deserve more.”
Kenneth Pool, chairman, said: “It’s been nominated because of its ability to provide rugby and sport to a high standard in Langholm and district and for its work in the community.
“It’s a great honour for the whole club to be nominated for such a prestigious award.
“It is the result of a lot of good work done by so many individuals over the past few years for the senior and youth rugby teams and the whole community.
“Whether its providing facilities for other organisations, helping to build the bonfire, clearing snow from pavements or providing a social rugby club for all the family, we just like to be a real part of the community in and around Langholm.”
The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Glasgow on December 5 and the club will be well represented on the night.
The other clubs on the shortlist are Northwest Boxing Club, Kilmarnock, and Westquarter and Redding Cricket Club in Falkirk.