Barnes chairman Michael Whitfield has been recognised for his work in the local community as part of the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards. Photo Credit: (Johnathan Knight)

The Recognition Programme provides a platform to volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to their club and community – no matter what their role.

For National Two South outfit Barnes, their chairman has been recognised for his work around the Barnes Big Lift, which raised over £160,000 for the NHS.

He also led on the delivery of hundreds of hot meals for workers at St Mary’s hospital, and the collection of over three tonnes of tinned food for the local food bank as part of Barnes’ #Fullofbeans initiative.

The Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer of the Year Awards, which take place on Friday 6th August,  reflects the challenges of the last 12 months and this year’s event will recognise the outstanding contribution volunteers have made across three categories:

•    Resilience in Rugby – to recognise those who have gone above and beyond to support their club and maintain engagement with members to help them stay happy, healthy and connected.
•    Beyond Rugby – to recognise those who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic to support and unite their local community.
•    Diversity & Inclusion – to recognise those who have championed diversity and inclusion within their club and helped to grow the game.

52 nominees have been selected to attend the event, which will take place at Twickenham Stadium.

From everyone at National League Rugby, we are proud of the work Barnes and Michael have done in their local community over the last 12 months and their efforts are a reflection of the outstanding work our clubs continue to do.

Words from englandrugby.com