KIRKBY Lonsdale RUFC has been shortlisted from thousands of entries as one of six finalists for a national award.

The Crabbie’s National Rugby Awards panel selected the club in the category ‘youth and mini section of the year’.

The winner will be revealed at a ceremony at Twickenham Stadium on August 29.

Kirkby Lonsdale find themselves up against Avonmouth Old Boys RFC, Ledbury RFC, Old Halesonians, Veseyans Rugby and Littleborough Rugby Club.

“Whoever wins, it is great to get the recognition for all our volunteers who, over the past 31 years, have made our mini and youth section so brilliant, welcoming and fun,” said Ben Muschamp, general manager at KLRUFC.

“Throughout our age groups (boys and girls from five years old to 16) we have new players joining every year, some new to rugby or just new to Kirkby Lonsdale.

“Any players and their families will always have a friendly welcome at the club.”

Pye Motors’ Managing Director Nick Payne, a key sponsor of the club, added: “The recognition is well deserved and the reason we got involved was because of the club’s dedication to developing our young people.

“We are proud to support the club and the work they do on a Sunday morning and in the community through their work with schools throughout the areas delivering coaching, rugby and the ethos of rugby - teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.”

John Moore was recently appointed as President of KLRUFC at a well-attended annual general meeting of the members.

He returns in an official capacity after last holding the role of Chairman over 30 years ago when the mini and youth section was first formed.

“Our commitment to our players of all ages has helped our club flourish,” he said.

“From working in the local community to encourage more people of all ages to give rugby a try to supporting our players in finding careers with local and national businesses.

“It’s exciting times at the club with our 1st team flying high, a strong Development Team and the Wanderers all including a large number of poOur senior squad love to be joined by new players and we have seen an influx of new faces at our senior pre-season training sessions week on week.”

Last season, several former youth team players made an impression on the senior squad as they registered their highest-ever league finish.

In the club’s first season in the North Premier division, Kirkby acquitted themselves well, finishing 8th at the end of the season, ending up two places above local rivals Kendal.

They won promotion to that level for the first time the previous season, having won every single game of their North One West Division campaign.

If you would like further information about joining KLRUFC’s Senior, Mini or Youth or to discuss coaching at your school contact ben@klrufc.co.uk