Queen's Award for Olney Rugby Club

Olney Rugby Football Club has been awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Golden anniversary of The Queen's coronation. It is the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups.

Club President, Tom Salsbury, said: “Olney Rugby Club is very honoured to receive this award which pays tribute to the hard work and commitment by all our volunteers. We have over 150 volunteers active in the club. That includes coaches, first aiders, BBQ teams, bar teams, committees right through to those people who quietly clear up the patio and empty the bins after each busy weekend.

"To each and every one of you, I say thank you on behalf of the club for everything you do. Without you, there would be no club. Once the club can reopen and social distancing is no longer a necessity, we will have a get together with as many of our volunteers as possible to celebrate the award and say a big thank you in person.”

Representatives of Olney Rugby Club will receive the award from Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire later in the year - once the club is allowed to resume playing rugby after the current Covid-19 restrictions. Furthermore two volunteers from the club will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2021.

Dan Cooke, Chair of the Mini & Junior Section, added: “It is the rugby players of all ages at Olney Rugby Club who benefit from the great work of the volunteers at the Club. Speaking as a coach and a parent, to see so many people willing to give their time to the club and the benefit it provides to the children is fantastic.”