There were four special awards presented at Friday night's celebration with the presentation of the Cassidian Community Awards
There were four awards on the evening with the first of these being the Young Coach / Leader award
Young Coach/Leader
The award was for any coach/leader under the age of 21 who had shown determination in their development and had helped participants reach their goals through dedication and support. Tom Gamage was the winner on the night. He is a 21 year old third year student at Cardiff Metropolitan University and was an attached coach to the Blues South U16’s Development Squad as well as coaching at the Cardiff U14’s Skill Development Centre. The rapport and trust he built up with all participants engaged teachers and parents alike. He has an impressive attitude to develop and learn. He sets a fine example for those young students who wish to ‘get on’ in the world of work.
Young Peoples Coach
The award was open to any club coach or teacher working with Children and young people under the age of 18 and the winner was Andrew Williams, a schoolteacher at Pontyclun Primary School.
He promotes sport throughout the school via fun and positive encouragement and encourages children from the school to join the local rugby club Pontyclun RFC.
Club Volunteer
The third award was open to anyone that volunteers within a club setting in any role or capacity.
The winner of this award was Ray Gallivan, a tireless volunteer and somebody who genuinely makes a real difference. He is Director of Rugby at Barry Rugby Club but has also set up and coaches Barry RFC Women and Girls Teams and is Head Coach of the Vale of Glamorgan Girls Skill Development Centre. In addition Ryan also coaches Barry U14’s RFC Boys Team and next season will be Vale Schools U15’s Head Coach
Outstanding Contribution to Rugby Development
This final and prestigious Cassidian Community Award was awarded to an individual who has shown outstanding commitment and dedication to grass roots rugby over a significant period of time.
Roger Goode has given over 35 years of tireless devotion to schools rugby as a teacher. He taught within 3 Cardiff based Secondary Schools bringing each up to a high standard of rugby provision and was Cardiff Schools U15’s Coach during its most successful period. Roger had a 95% win ratio over a 4 year period as Wales Schools U16’s Coach and remains Cardiff School’s President even though he is retired from teaching.