On Tuesday 29th April 2025 representatives of Eccles Rugby Football Club were invited to recieve the Kings Award crystal and a signed certificate from His Majesty The King, presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, in a formal ceremony at the Manchester Monastery.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) recognises outstanding work by community volunteer groups and is equivalent to an MBE. This prestigious honour pays tribute to the dedicated effort and commitment of our volunteers, who over the last year alone have devoted over 30,000 hours to supporting the health and wellbeing benefits of grassroots rugby activities to children and adults in our community.
Following this presentation, on Wednesday 7th May, Club President Alan Bent and Club Chairman Chris Gaffey were invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace where tea, cakes and polite conversation were enjoyed whilst inspecting the playing standard of His Majesty's pitches (lawns).
Although it was not possible for all 128 of the club's volunteers to attend these ocassions, every volunteer can take pride in their personal contribution to this tremendous club achievement and, in a gesture of appreciation as we begin our preparations for the new rugby season, club volunteers are invited to personally collect an official Kings Award enamel pin badge from Hilary Berry when they next visit the club.
