TRIBUTES are being paid to Leigh Miners Rangers Rugby League Academy after the grassroots club was confirmed as a recipient of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The organisation has been bestowed the prestigious honour for ‘Developing, supporting and providing opportunities for young people through playing Rugby League’.

This highly prestigious honour is considered to be the MBE of volunteer services, with Leigh Miners Rangers RL Academy being one of 281 groups selected to receive The King’s Award in 2024.

The Academy, who are a Clubmark Gold accredited organisation, are based at Sutton Park fields on Manchester Road, Leigh, and run teams at all ages from under sevens to under 16s, with each team coached by UKCC qualified and DBS certified coaches.

A club statement reads: “The award is bestowed upon the club by His Majesty King Charles III in recognition of the hard work and endeavour of the army of volunteers across the club in providing a safe, pleasant and secure environment for our 25+ teams of boys and girls from every part of our local community.

“Described as the MBE for voluntary organisations, the Award recognises outstanding achievements and efforts by volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life and opportunity for others and provides an outstanding service. It sets the benchmark for excellence in volunteering.”

The statement continues: “To run an organisation that looks after the welfare of over 500 six to 16-year-olds is an amazing effort and this Award is testimony to the dedication of all our volunteers from the coaching teams, first aiders and administration personnel to those who serve food and drinks to the players, wash the kits and keep our first-class facilities in tip-top condition.

“With around 70 registered coaches and similar numbers of matchday support volunteers as well as casual volunteer helpers we have in excess of 150 volunteers helping out at the club on a regular basis.

“Leigh Miners Rangers RL Academy are extremely proud to receive this honour, especially as being the first ever junior rugby league club to achieve this.

“We would like to put on record our thanks for those whose support and guidance helped us to achieve this honour, including Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mike Walmsley as well as the former and retired committee members whose solid foundations the club continue to build on.

“The club would like to thank all the volunteers past and present for their hard work and dedication which has made our great club such a beacon of the rugby league world and of our local community.”

Burnham paid tribute, saying: “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 of 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.”

Another to pay tribute is Derek Beaumont, owner of Super League club, Leigh Leopards.

He said: “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 link 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 opportunities for both boys and girls to reach their potential and represent our town.

“I would like to offer my congratulations on behalf of the club to everyone involved.”

If you would like more details of how you can become involved at Leigh Miner Rangers RL Academy, email: secretary@leighminersrangers.club