Recognition
Eccles Rugby is built on the foundations of volunteer commitment. At the end of each season it is the club's tradition to recognise outstanding dedication and effort by individuals who have gone above and beyond for the benefit of their fellow club members and community. Two annual awards are presented to deserving individuals nominated by club members.
The Harry Broomhead Trophy.
Awarded to recognise committed service.
Harry Broomhead joined Eccles RFC in 1948, the first season at the new Gorton Street ground, and was to prove over the many following years to be one of the most committed, loyal, hardworking, irreplaceable members ever to be associated with the club in its long history. Harry served as the First XV Captain 1952 to 1957, 9 years as Club Chairman between 1965 to 1979, and 15 years as Club President between 1979 and 1998. Harry was a larger than life character, well known for his enthusiasm and humour and, alongside his playing and administrative roles, the incredible amount of physical work he contributed at the club including being the driving force behind the construction of the new clubhouse in 1984. Harry passed away in 2010, his ashes were spread on the pitch and his memory lives on in the Trophy we award each season to recognise committed service to the club by a volunteer.
Recipients
- 2010/11 Mark Dutton
- 2011/12 Carolyn Radcliffe
- 2012/13 Alan Bent
- 2013/14 Heather Thorpe
- 2014/15 Marie Wilson, Sue Baines, Hilary Berry, Lisa Walker, Helen Wignall, Marie Hoolahan
- 2015/16 Paul Thorpe
- 2016/17 Leeann Aspinall
- 2017/18 Kevin Walker
- 2018/19 James Wright
- 2019/20
- 2020/21
- 2021/22
- 2022/23 Don Edmondson
- 2023/24 Sam Simpson
- 2024/25 Alan Bent
The Eccles Memorial Trophy.
Awarded to celebrate achievement.
The Eccles Memorial Trophy was introduced in recent years to build on the foundation of the Christopher Tickle Memorial Shield. Chris suffered a fatal neck injury whilst playing for Eccles in 2009 and following his recognition with a posthumous Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award the club established its Duke of Edinburgh awards programme in his honour in 2011. The Eccles Memorial Trophy pays tribute to volunteer achievment that has advanced the club and benefitted members in the past 12 months.
Recipients
- 2009/10 Andy Brunt
- 2010/11 Ted Nicholls
- 2011/12 Billy Borrett & Gary Hamer
- 2012/13 David Bates
- 2013/14 Martin Parkinson
- 2014/15 Sam Simpson
- 2015/16 Mark Greenhalgh
- 2016/17 Glenn Cahill
- 2017/18 Chris Gaffey
- 2019/20 The Fossils
- 2020/21
- 2021/22 Daniel Nicholls & Rachel Nicholls
- 2022/23 Hilary Berry
- 2023/24 Chris Fortune & Hannah Dootson
- 2024/25 John Whailing
Your Club Needs You
Since 1897 Eccles RFC has grown to over 600 members and 20 teams and as such it takes a big team effort to co-ordinate our acitvites and maintain our facilities. A rugby club doesn't run itself, it relies on its volunteers to keep everything co-ordinated and functioning.
Our volunteers often include former players who want to put something back into the club, parents who wish to help out with their child's team or local residents who want to play a part in making a worthwhile contribution to their community.
Volunteering can be rewarding in many ways and can take on many forms. It could be undertaking a small task occassionally, helping out regularly, lending a hand with a big annual event or taking responsbility for an important role . It could involve using your professional knowledge or provide you with an opportunity to learn a new skill.
The club will always endeavour to provide you with the equipment, training and clothing you need and will reimburse fees for qualifications you achieve. Guidance and support is always available and your efforts will always be welcomed and appreciated.
Below is list of example tasks and volunteer roles you could help with at the club. To join the team or just ask a question drop us an email volunteer@ecclesrfc.org.uk or speak with Chris Gaffey, Dan Nicholls, or Hilary Berry at the club.
EXAMPLE VOLUNTEER TASKS
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
SUNDAY MORNING
ECCLES RFC ROLES 2024/25
Helping Hand
Just message "helping hand" to Mark on WhatsApp, 07525 434790.
