Simplyhealth sponsored Andover RFC Youth Academy’s season ended in style with their annual presentation day entitled ‘Celebrating Success’. Chairman Clive Redshaw welcomed around 350 young players, parents and relations to the event held in a large marquee on the club’s first team pitch. Her Worship Janet Whiteley, the new TVBC mayor and her consort Neville Whiteley, together with MP Sir George Young and Jacqui and Ivan Gentlemen from the Jamie G Sports Trust, were among the guests and numerous sponsors who saw a number of boys and girls ranging in age from five to 18 years old, receive awards to recognise their personal achievements during the past year.

The main awards were presented by executive chairman Shaun Rule and London Irish’s community manager Ben Lee. Each team had a Coach’s Player and Most Improved Player and the players voted for their own Player’s Player. Among the highlights of the morning was the presentation of silver salvers to Callum Farr and Jordan Gray, who had been selected to play for their respective Hampshire teams this season – a real achievement in a very competitive county.

Clive thanked both Simplyhealth and all the other local sponsors and sporting partners whose financial help is crucial in maintaining the current excellent standards being achieved at the Goodship Ground.

The Junior Clubman Award was presented to Connor Green, from the Colts squad, who in the opinion of his coaches displayed real dedication to his team during the past year, including coaching some of the younger teams. The Academy Senior Clubman’s Award was presented to Mick Roscoe, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes organising various fund raising events which enables the presentation day to continue to meet its current high standards.

Full story and more pictures in Friday's Advertiser.