Hartlepool Rovers FC are proud to have one of our teams and two of our dedicated volunteers recognised at this week's Hartlepool Sports Council Awards.

Hosted by Hartlepool Sports Council, the annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes, clubs, teams and volunteers from across the town. For more than 40 years, Hartlepool Sports Council has supported local sport through grants, bursaries and its prestigious awards programme, recognising the people and organisations who make a real difference to sport in the community.

Leading the way for Rovers this year is our WestRovians Girls Rugby Team, who have been nominated for Club of the Year.

The WestRovians are a shining example of two clubs working together for the benefit of young players. West Hartlepool and Hartlepool Rovers have collaborated to create a successful and thriving girls' rugby programme that allows players to continue representing their respective clubs while combining resources to ensure meaningful training sessions and competitive fixtures. This partnership has given many girls the opportunity to continue their rugby journey in an environment where player development, enjoyment and participation remain at the heart of everything the team does.

The club is also delighted to see Jim Turner nominated for Volunteer of the Year.

Jim works tirelessly across every area of the club. From coaching junior teams and supporting the senior sides on matchdays to helping with countless behind-the-scenes tasks, his commitment to Hartlepool Rovers is unrivalled. Perhaps his most significant contribution in recent times has been his work on the club's new changing facilities. For the past 18 months, Jim has been the driving force behind the project, dedicating countless hours to ensuring the development becomes a reality. Thanks to his determination and leadership, the new facilities are now nearing completion and are expected to open in the coming months, providing a major boost for the club and its members.

Finally, club legend Brian Bambrough has been nominated for the Services to Sport Award.

Brian's association with Hartlepool Rovers spans more than 50 years. As a player, he proudly represented the club's First XV and notably played against the Barbarians during Rovers' Centenary celebrations. Since hanging up his boots, Brian has served the club in almost every capacity imaginable and remains one of the most recognisable and respected figures at The New Friarage.

Over the decades, Brian has given extraordinary service to the club, using his practical skills to maintain and improve facilities and quite literally helping to keep a roof over the club's head. His willingness to help, positive attitude and unwavering commitment have benefitted generations of players. Whether offering advice, sharing his vast rugby knowledge or lending a hand wherever needed, Brian continues to be an invaluable member of the Hartlepool Rovers family.

The prestigious awards ceremony takes place this Thursday evening at Hartlepool College of Further Education, where the town's sporting community will come together to celebrate another year of achievement.

Everyone at Hartlepool Rovers would like to congratulate the WestRovians, Jim and Brian on their well-deserved nominations and wish them the very best of luck on the night.