May 2010 saw the Bishop Auckland Rugby Club Junior Presentation Award ceremony held at the club grounds.
Over Four hundred people attended a spectacular event which was held in a Luxury Marquee erected in the club ground at the West Mills Playing Fields.
Over the last few years the club has gone from strength to strength. From a team of enthusiastic rugby players, they made the decision to form a youth section starting with their own children, and increased the numbers of junior players over the last four seasons. Bishop Auckland Rugby Club now boasts over 200 children, playing rugby across all age groups. From the BLTs (Bishop's Little Tots) to a colt's squad, these teams span the age groups from 5 to 17 years old. A team at each age group attend rugby games around the North East as well as holding their own matches and festivals.
As the number of players has risen dramatically over the last year a new approach was needed to cater for the growing members. The junior committee organised a fantastic marquee which was fully lined and carpeted to stage the event. The club colours were displayed around the perimeter of the venue complimented by each laid out table to entertain the guests. Each team proudly sat at their own table as the coaches and managers served the hot meal for the 200 players. A hot and cold buffet provided substance for the two hundred plus parents, grandparents and friends who attended. This was no mean feat, the committee decided not to use outside catering as they worked with a limited budget. Guests were giving their highest praised to everyone involved in preparing the food for the event.
Bishop Auckland Rugby Club promotes a family ethos at every opportunity. This could be felt during the presentation as each of the teams were introduced and walked along the stage; the audience gave there absolute 'all' to recognise the achievements of every team. The presentation of a medal to each and every player was made by Newcastle Falcon Players, Ed Williamson and Rob Vickers As the teams stood at the front of the venue proudly displaying their medals the coaches and managers gave heartfelt speeches which praised the junior rugby players for all of their efforts and the commitment for the previous season. As the audience sat quietly the managers from each of the teams struggled to deliver their verbal feelings as the proudly choked their voices and tears ran intermittently throughout the event. Guests were seen shedding a tear for youngsters they had no connect with, the appreciation between the families, players and the volunteer coaches and managers could be clearly seen.
Each team had the opportunity to award three trophies. Most improved player, Coaches Player and the most prestige prize, Players Player. The air could be cut through with a knife as the announcements were made of the successful players were called out. The standing ovations were frequent as the proud players shook the hands of their idol players from the Newcastle Falcons squad.
The event ran on for many hours as the disco entertained the guests and children. Hats off to every person involved in staging a spectacular event roll on next season!!
Bishop Auckland Rugby Club Junior and Senior Teams are always looking for new players. Anyone interested in joining this fast growing family orientated club should contact Peter Gallone petergallone@btinternet.com Tel 01388 607636 . Club website is www.bishopaucklandrugby.co.uk