Inspirational Exeter Volunteer Recognised at Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards 2022

Premiership Rugby have revealed a shortlist of six inspiring individuals, including one from Exeter Chiefs, who have been nominated for the Community Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by CVC. The winner will be crowned at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards ceremony, attended by MPs, taking place at the House of Commons on 12th July. 

The Parliamentary Awards is a celebration of the incredible work and impact achieved by Premiership Rugby and its clubs, demonstrating how their work is making an invaluable contribution to addressing some of the biggest societal challenges. Premiership Rugby seeks to help tackle inequalities that exist, believing whole heartedly that all young people, no matter their background or ability, should have equal access to sporting opportunities which help them fulfil their potential.   

CVC are proud sponsors of the Community Volunteer of the Year Award designed to recognise a person who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the community through their work at their local Premiership Rugby club. Each has utilised not only their spare time, but their life experience, passion and dedication to help support the lives of others.   

Andy Bassett from Exeter Chiefs has been working on the HITZ programme for over three years making a fundamental difference to the lives of many of the participants. Not only via work experience and employment opportunities with his construction company but through the small gestures that can make the biggest difference. From making sandwiches at home to bring in ensuring no student goes hungry, sourcing new football kits to initiating donations of rugby or football boots that led to an influx of equipment for the students. Andy assists in lessons volunteering to help with whatever is needed and his unwavering commitment to give back to the younger generation is admirable. Over 50 young people have experienced the non-judgemental and empathetic support given by Andy. He embodies the values and qualities we aim to instil in students and his passion, kindness and dedication helps students to exceed expectations life had set out for them. 

Jane Howard, CSR Manager CVC, says, “The calibre of volunteers Premiership Rugby has across all programmes is incredible. They provide their support, knowledge and expertise for free, often week after week, to help participants.  What they bring is invaluable and I only wish we could give an award to everyone on the shortlist. Thank you to all of you for the excellent work you do!” 

Community programmes such as HITZ, Project Rugby, Champions and the Land Rover Cup are just some of the initiatives that Premiership Rugby run nationwide to help young people fulfil their potential.   

Wayne Morris, Premiership Rugby Community & CSR Director says, ‘Thanks to the support of our partners Gallagher, Wooden Spoon and CVC we are proud to say we help over 250k people annually via our community programmes. Our partners and the community teams, supported by our invaluable volunteers help us to increase the opportunities for young people no matter their background or ability to play rugby and experience the difference bringing sport into their lives can make.’   

Other awards being presented at the ceremony, attended by MPs and stars from Premiership teams, include Community Coach of the Year and a Special Recognition Award.  

Other awards being presented at the ceremony, attended by MPs and stars from Premiership teams, include Rugby Ambassador of the Year, Outstanding Achiever of the Year, Community Coach of the Year and a Special Recognition Award. 

Visit www.premiershiprugby.com/community for more information. Join in the conversation via the hashtag #RugbyChangingLives