The incredible work and tireless efforts of the volunteers at Lincoln Rugby Club were celebrated at the Volunteer Awards 2025/26 at the club last week.

The club continues to make great progress on the pitch and all of that is made possible because of the dedication and teamwork of the volunteers behind the scenes - and every single one of them deserves to be well and truly celebrated.

At the Volunteer Awards, winners were chosen across eight categories - a massive well done to them all, and to everyone nominated too!

Volunteer Awards 2025/26

Team Manager Award
Winner: Claire Tarnowski (Under-16s)
Also nominated: Clare Brooker-Brown Ladies 1st XV, Jen Davey (Under-10s), Louise Budgen (Colts), Noelle Heaver and Zoe Paseda (Under-11)

Age Grade Coach Award
Winners: Robin Mapleston (Under-11s) and Ross Tarnowski (Under-16s)
Also nominated: Ben Heaver (Under-14s/Under-16s), Chris Briggs (Colts), Eamonn Hogan (Colts), Russ Makinson (Under-10s/Colts), Ryan Dolan (Under-10s/Under-16s/Colts), Tim Mason (Under-9s)


Senior Coach of the Year Award
Winner: Dave Rose-Allen (Men’s 2nd XV)
Also nominated: Brian Kelly (Ladies 1st XV), Connor Murray (Men’s 1st XV), Hev Lamming (Ladies 2nd XV), John Wilding (Ladies 1st XV), Matt Mcclurg (Men’s 1st XV), Shaun Dunn (Men’s 2nd XV), Simon Green (Men’s 1st XV)

Club Coach of the Year Award
Winner: Brian Kelly (Ladies 1st XV)
Also nominated: Chris Briggs (Colts), Dave Rose-Allen (Men’s 2nd XV), Eamonn Hogan (Colts), John Wilding (Ladies 1st XV), Rob Smith (Under-15s/Touch), Robin Mapleston (Under-11s), Ross Tarnowski (Under-16s), Ryan Dolan (Under-10s/Under-16s/Colts)

Chairman’s Award
Winner: Girls Coaching and Support Team - Head Coach Ed Letherby, Coach Jez Willis, Coach John Griffin, Coach Steve Kelly, Coach Tom Johnston, Team Manager Claire Letherby

The team’s drive, encouragement, and unwavering commitment has fuelled remarkable growth and development - not only within their own squad, but across the entire county. Their dedication has opened the door for more girls to experience rugby, created clear pathways for development and achievement, and contributed to a significant rise in girls’ registrations.

Above and Beyond Award
Winner: Sophie Dennison
Sophie’s passion and drive to help the club is second to none and she puts in countless hours behind the scenes, from building the new website to making our social media pages stand out.

Volunteer of the Year Award
Winner: Max Prescott
Max has taken every step of his own playing journey in the club’s youth section and, this season, he stepped forward to help rebuild the Under-11s - a team in need of stability, energy and belief. What he brought was far more than that and his ability to connect with young athletes, guide them, and make rugby enjoyable has helped transform the team’s spirit and performance.

Sid Gott Award
Winner: Chris Briggs
Director of Age Grade Rugby Chris Briggs was chosen by members as the winner of an award, named in memory and in honour of club legend Sid Gott. Sid was a great clubman who worked tirelessly to support Lincoln Rugby Club and its members.

The award is given to an individual who demonstrates outstanding dedication and service to the club, on or off the field, showing sustained commitment and contribution throughout the year. Chris is a long-time player and volunteer who has worked tirelessly for the club and the mini/junior age groups.

Also nominated: Ian Wilkinson, Jackie Ward, Louise Budgen, Rob Smith, Sarah Rodgers, Sophie Dennison

On the night the club’s Acting Chair Louise Budgen said: “Tonight is all about you - our incredible volunteers, without whom there simply would be no rugby at Lodge Lane.

“Every training session, every match day, every fundraiser, every moment that keeps this club alive and thriving has your fingerprints all over it.

“Our awards tonight come from member and Board nominations and they shine a light on just a few of the fantastic volunteers who make up our rugby family. But please know this: whether you leave tonight with an award or not, your effort, dedication, and commitment are hugely appreciated by every single member and volunteer within Lincoln RFC.”