Greater Manchester (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Andy Burnham has congratulated Leigh Miners Rangers Rugby League Academy after the community club was awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in the 2024 Honours List.
As reported by Wigan Today, the club fielded more than 25 teams of boys and girls funded by an army of volunteers, and has become the first-ever junior rugby league club to welcome the prestigious award. It is the equal of an MBE and symbolises the highest distinction for voluntary organisations in the UK.
Over 500 six to 16-year-olds are engaged at the club, with about 70 registered coaches and a similar number of matchday support recruits as well as casual volunteer helpers, equalling an extra 150 volunteers supporting the club regularly.
How has the club impacted the youth in Greater Manchester?
In his remarks, the mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, congratulated the community club on their honour. He stated: “Leigh Miners Rangers RL Academy is the gold standard of a community sports club; a jewel in the crowns of Greater Manchester and Rugby League. It is right and fitting that the exceptional service to the community of the club’s many volunteers, and also the young people they support, has been recognised by His Majesty the King. I am proud to be associated with the club and congratulate all my friends there on this outstanding achievement.”
Leigh Leopards CEO Derek Beaumont also conveyed his congratulations for the community club. He remarked: “This is a fantastic award befitting of a superb organisation which gives so many opportunities to the youngsters in our town. The facilities at Sutton Park are second to none and give a great focal point for the development of our great game.
“Our club has a very close connection with the Miners Rangers Academy section and we are honoured to play our Reserves games and some of our Women’s fixtures there. The facilities are the envy of the clubs which visit us. Our relationship will deepen due to the establishment of our academy which will further the possibilities for both boys and girls to reach their prospect and represent our town. I would like to present my congratulations on behalf of the club to everyone involved.”