York rugby legend in line for top award

2:23am Tuesday 22nd April 2008

Comments (1)   Have your say »

A SPORTING stalwart has dedicated over two decades to helping a local rugby league.

Rugby coach Barry Davis has been put forward for the York Community Pride Sporting Hero Of The Year award for his years of service in the city.

Barry, an ex-professional rugby player, formed the then York All Blacks Rugby League club in 1983, and has spent the last 25 years coaching and guiding rugby teams in York.

The countless hours that he has given to the community have not gone unrecognised.

His friend Mark Tipping, who has nominated Barry for his sporting efforts, said: "When Barry formed York All Blacks Rugby League club he regularly collected players with no transport for training sessions as well as conducting the session itself. His work with the club has been tireless over the last 25 years and involved a two-year stint as open-age coach in the 90s."

York All Blacks Rugby League club changed its name to New Earswick All Blacks in 1994 when it moved to the New Earswick Sports Club. That was another initiative that Barry was heavily involved in and he is now a trustee of the sports club.

Mark said: "In his time coaching, he has influenced a huge amount of players. He is now retired, but has continued his enthusiasm and commitment to New Earswick All Blacks and rugby league in York in general and can be found at the club doing activities from running raffles to putting out the corner flags before a game.

"His work has now seen the club boast the most junior sides of its history, with 14 junior teams incorporating two girls' teams."

We want to hear of more unsung heroes in the city. If you think you know someone, simply fill in the entry coupon via the link below.

Send us a picture of your nominee and your coupon, along with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award. Send all entries to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, email us at editor@thepress.co.uk.