Claire Murphy of Huddersfield YMCA has picked up a top volunteering award.

After a magnificent effort in encouraging youngsters to try rugby union in their schools, Claire has been named Volunteer of the Year in the Rugby Football Union’s West, Aire and Wharedale District.

Claire is the wife of fourth-team player and junior section coach Pat, and mother of William who also plays at Laund Hill.

Junior section chairman Richard Garrety takes up the story.

“Just before the start of the season we decided to take a different approach to recruitment and set out our stall to look for a recruitment officer – someone to go out into schools and show boys and girls how much fun rugby can be,” he said.

“We put Claire on a tag rugby course run by the RFU and got her CRB checked. She spent a few Sunday mornings learning and running a few drills and games and was soon seen to be a natural with the kids.”

Claire has used a red and yellow-card system to ensure groups learn discipline and don’t get out of hand.

“The club had lined up a few contact schools that were interested and Claire set about booking in some sessions – and the kids loved them!

“She regularly had 10 to 20 kids taking part for an hour at a time after school and, as the word got round, she filled up her diary for the whole season.

“Claire has done this for the club as a volunteer and has loved almost every minute – gaining great confidence with the groups of children.”

The volunteering trophy was presented to Claire at Leeds Carnegie, along with tickets for an England match at Twickenham with travelling expenses.

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