MJ Community Award

Judges said that they were impressed by the many links that Belgrave have forged with local schools, clubs and the wider community.

Les Vernon, chairman of the LRU mini / junior and Schools sub committee, said “We were delighted to present Belgrave with the Martin Johnson Community Award. The club possesses a tremendous community spirit and their commitment to players, volunteers and the community should be commended.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Market Harborough Building Society for their commitment to this award.

Judges said volunteers’ commitment to the Belgrave Club was ‘unquestionable’. It was noted that they have not only attended all required courses but that they have taken the time to educate all those concerned, enabling the club to take rugby to their community in a controlled environment.

Gary Kilbourne, from the Belgrave club said “We are honoured to be the first recipients of this award. We are fortunate to have so many willing volunteers who dedicate most of their own time to run mini and junior sections, enabling Belgrave to bring rugby to the inner-city of Leicester.

Will Johnson (Left) with Bruce Ord (Centre) and Gary Kilbourne

Belgrave were one of the first clubs in Leicestershire to achieve the RFU ‘Seal of Approval Qualifications’.

The club encourages local schools to take part in ‘Tag Rugby Festivals’, making it a focal point of the community.

Commitment to County Rugby was commended, and the warm welcome extended to all visiting clubs was noted.

Hosting County Finals gave Belgrave players and parents the opportunity to watch some of the best players in the area, giving them the opportunity to see what can be achieved through sport.

The inaugural Martin Johnson Community Award and prize money from sponsors Market Harborough Building Society have been won by Belgrave RFC

The award was presented by Will Johnson of Leicester Tigers and Rebecca Osborn of the building society at the Leicestershire RU volunteers dinner hosted by Hinckley RFC.

The community award was set up this year to financially reward clubs for their commitment to developing junior rugby and the County RU were delighted that England World Cup winning Captain Johnson agreed to help judge the entries.

Belgrave, who earlier this season picked up the Whistlers Trophy for the club that best looks after referees, were commended for their commitment to keeping the club moving forward despite an inner city location and the many social issues that they face.