Peterlee Pumas in a League of their Own
On Saturday 27 August 2010 Peterlee Pumas from the North East were rewarded nationally for their contribution to Rugby League.
Mark Watson received their award on behalf of the club from Nigel Wood, the RFL's Chief Executive Officer at the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
Peterlee Pumas received the National 'League for All' award which recognizes the efforts made by a club to reach out to different communities i.e. started a girls team/masters team, supported a disabled person to get involved with your club or formed a partnership with local community group.
Peterlee Pumas work extremely hard to ensure their club is welcome to all age groups and abilities. In addition to their OA, u8, u10, u12, u14 and u16 age group; this season they have become the first North East Club to enter a women's team in the Rugby League Conference. In addition to developing their female structure, Peterlee Pumas have also embraced Touch Rugby. Every Wednesday evening the club hold social touch rugby sessions allowing both players, parents, wives, girlfriends and volunteers to get together and embrace another format of Rugby League. Peterlee Pumas are an extremely active social Rugby League Club showing Super League games in the club house and encouraging everyone to come along and watch.
Although the focus of the club is Rugby League, Peterlee are also involved with local Comunity events becoming involved in the Peterlee Show, introducing Rugby League to 1000's of visitors; Stride2gether sponsored walk and the Emotional Wellbeing Project.
The Emotional Well Being Service offers a range of positive, fun activities for children and young people aged 5-19 years across the Easington area. It is funded through the Local Children's Board, Easington and was developed in response to local consultation with young people and their parents and carers. Two hours of high quality positive activities are delivered three times per week in a variety of areas across East Durham by skilled staff. Activities are tailored to have a positive impact on children's emotional wellbeing through the provision of places to go and things to do and are delivered at neighbourhood level. Peterlee have trained a number of volunteers to be able to deliver the project and provide counseling services to the community.
All volunteers and a guest were rewarded with a VIP day out at the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final between Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos.
Jade Mackie, Youth Volunteer Coordinator stated 'This is a massive achievement for both Peterlee Pumas and the North East to have been named National winners in the 'League for All' category. All the volunteers within the North East work exceptionally hard and commit a huge amount of time and effort to Rugby League.
I am so proud of all the volunteers, coaches, players and parents at Peterlee who have dedicated so much time, effort and commitment to their club. To be recognised nationally is a huge achievement and I know in the future the club will only go from strength to strength.'
If you would like to volunteer within Rugby League in the North East please visit the website www.northeastrl.co.uk or contact Jade Mackie, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, jade.mackie@rfl.uk.com, 0191 477 7773 or 07595520178