Gateshead Thunder are delighted to announce that Neil Coombs has been awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" in the North East section of the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Neil, who is known affectionatly by players and fans as "Chunkle", has been with Thunder since the clubs' inception and started his involvement volunteering with Gateshead Mets, the precursor to Gateshead Thunder in 1996.
In order to acknowledge the hard work and support that people give -unpaid - to the sport of Rugby League, the RFL recognise and reward their effort through its Volunteer Awards Scheme.
Each Region is responsible for promoting the awards and then selecting the winners, with each winner receiving a trophy.
The other categories awarded include;
1 - "Young Volunteer of the Year" supported by V (under 25 as at 1 July 2011) - they are reliable, trust-worthy and have made a valuable contribution to your club
2 - "Volunteer of the Year" - who makes an outstanding contribution to the running of the club, League, Service Area, school or any other means
3 - "Volunteer Coordinator of the Year" - person who recruits and coordinates other volunteers within the club and local community
4 - "Coach of the Year" - a coach who shown commitment to coaching and player development
A huge Congratulations is extended to all nominations who this year included;
* Adam Houston (Gateshead Storm)
* Chris Parker (Gateshead Storm)
* The Parents of Gateshead Storm
* Helen Taylor (Peterlee Pumas)
* Brian Sidney (Peterlee Pumas)
* Leigh Wheatley (Peterlee Pumas)
* Emma Hargreaves (Whitley Bay Barbarians)
* Jeff Ball (Cramlington Rockets)
* Jan Robinson (Astley High School/Girls Service Area Programme)
The winners for the 2012 North East Awards are as follows;
1 - Volunteer of the Year - Mick Jones (Gateshead Storm)
2 - Young Volunteer of the Year - Patrick Claber (Durham Demons)
3 - Coach of the Year - Lee Carbutt (Girls Programme/Scholarship)
4 - Children's Coach of the Year - Kelly Morgan (Cramlington Rockets)
5 - Lifetime Achievement Award - Neil Coombs (Gateshead Thunder)
All the regional winners will be put forward to the National Awards.
