Millers' trust scoops community award

It has been named North East and Yorkshire Community Club of the Year for the second year in a row and in turn has been nominated for the national gong alongside five other English Football League clubs.

The shortlist for the awards was announced by the English Football League, with the regional winners invited to attend a formal ceremony in London on Monday, March 6 at the Houses of Parliament. 

They will then be invited back to the National Football League Awards on Sunday, April 9 which celebrate the on and off pitch excellence across the EFL’s 72 clubs.

Jamie Noble, RUCST’s head of community said: “We are thrilled to have won the regional award and to be in the mix for the national award against five strong opponents.

“This year has been monumental for RUCST, moving to a brand new purpose-built facility at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.”

Jamie said a big factor behind RUCST’s nomination was its work with communities, especially those from different ethnic backgrounds through its Sport England funded project.

He said: “The first year of the project (Getting Back into Sport) has been very successful, especially with Muslim women who have low participation in sport. 

“Given the increase in far-right marches in Rotherham and a rise in Islamophobia, we found some Muslim women feel ostracised. We at RUCST have created safe spaces for Muslim women to take part health and sport activities.

“We have also created a fantastic partnership with local mosques, which has been something the trust has been working towards over the past few years and we are proud to say we have been made to feel incredibly welcome in what is a fantastic space for the local community.

“We have also been commended for our work in a host of other areas including education, sports participation and inclusion.

“The staff have worked tirelessly in the past year and this nomination is testament to the hard work and commitment of a number of individuals.”

The trust will be gunning for a second national award, having won it in 2012.