The outgoing chairman and current head coach of local rugby club Keighley Albion have received national recognition for their outstanding contribution to sport in the community this week.
The pair were celebrated at a prestigious reception at 10 Downing Street, titled “Bringing Communities Together through Sport” hosted by Secretary of State for the Department of Digital, Culture Media and Sport, Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP.
Local MP Robbie Moore nominated retiring Albion chairman Richard Dibbin and Head Coach Josh Ireland for the award, with the duo receiving a tour of the Houses of Parliament before making their way to the Downing Street reception, which was attended by community sports campaigners from across the UK.
Boasting over 300 juniors registered from ages 4 to 18 and two men's open-age teams, Keighley Albion is one of the largest amateur Rugby league clubs in the UK and the largest in Yorkshire.
The club, which is based in Crossflatts, regularly hold fundraisers for a long list of charitable organisations across the community, including Airedale Hospital Trust, NHS Charities together and Alzheimer's Awareness.
Robbie Moore MP Said:
”Both Richard Dibbin & Josh Ireland have continuously gone above and beyond for Keighley Albion and our community, giving up their own time to help our young people learn such a fantastic sport and develop skills for life.
It was a real honour to see Richard and Josh celebrated at Downing Street, and I’d like to pay tribute to all the Albion family, including the players, coaches, parents, volunteers, and supporters who have made the club such a beacon of our community.
From the Albion Antz to their open-age teams, Keighley Albion have something for everyone. So do consider becoming part of the team now by visiting https://keighleyalbion.co.uk.”
