Two major contributors to London Skolars 2013 campaign were rewarded for their hard work and commitment when the 2103 London Rugby League awards took place at Glow, Bluewater’s purpose built events venue in Kent last Wednesday.
In what caps off a fantastic season for U19’s Second Rower Judd Greenhalgh, he was named U19 Man of Steel.
Judd arrived at the club at the beginning of the season with his twin brother Micheal and their impact in the U19’s squad was immediate. Strong and powerful in defence, with an exceptionally quick turn of pace for a big man, some of his bone-crunching hits and strong carries on the fringes were very much the difference for the Skolars in many games and Judd soon became the cornerstone of a very impressive U19’s pack.
His performances in the U19’s were rewarded with a first team debut away to Rochdale in the Northern Rail Cup. Against a very strong and experienced Rochdale side, that included many first team regulars, Judd did not look out of place and his aggressive approach to the game meant he was a real thorn in the Rochdale side all game. As Judd moves up now from the U19’s set up and begins pre-season training with the 1st team everyone at the club is excited by the potential of this young second-rower.
At the same event Ian Ackley was named as Volunteer of the Year.
Ian gives up huge amounts of his time to help us here at Skolars. Ian and his family are involved at all levels of the club, from coaching to serving behind the bar on match-day. No job is too much for Ian and he willingly puts himself out to benefit the club.
Ian has three boys, all of who are involved in the club from Mini’s right up to the U16’s. All of the boys join their father on match day and assist club staff on the day to day running of a home game. Ian co-ordinates all the ball boys, ensures the score board is manned, and secures the changing rooms during the game. He does all this on a Sunday after he has already given up his Saturday to coach his U12’s team. Ian’s weekends are always about Skolars.
Ian is very passionate about Skolars and does all he can to make sure that we offer a great experience for any individual that comes here. He epitomises the ‘family club’ feel that we strive to create at Skolars and this award is a perfect way for Ian’s outstanding efforts over the past few years to be recognised on a wider scale.
