Caledonia North Community Recognition Award Winners 2024

Orkney RFC have won Community Club of the Season in the 2024 Scottish Rugby Community Recognition Award for Caledonia North!

This is a hugely deserved recognition of all the effort that a large number of people have put into every section of the club over the years!
Massive Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you so much!

Read more below from the Scottish Rugby website

The 2024 Scottish Rugby Community Recognition Award winners from the Caledonia North region have today been announced.

The Community Recognition Awards are Scottish Rugby’s annual domestic game awards programme, focusing on the on and off-field efforts of clubs and schools across Scotland over the course of the season.

Award winners were announced for six categories including; Volunteer of the Season in Youth rugby sponsored by inspiresport, Volunteer of the Season in Schools rugby sponsored by inspiresport, Volunteer of the Season in Adult rugby, Young Person’s Award, Community Club of the Season, and the Community Referee of the Season.

Community Club of the Season- Orkney RFC

Orkney RFC have had a successful 12 months both on and off the pitch. Club memberships have continued to grow, as has the improvement of performances across all age groups. Orkney’s First XV currently hold second place in National League Division 3, having faced a battle to break into the top six last time around. Commitment to both games and training have been acknowledged, with players facing regular trips to Scotland’s central belt for fixtures.

This improvement has driven up interest in the club. Fans now line the pitch at home games and there have been over 1000 tune-ins to games streamed online, thanks to club volunteers. The club was recognised as ‘Team of the Year’ at Orkney’s Sport Awards, rewarding the energy and local impact the club has made. The social aspect and 2XV game has developed too, with internal league fixtures being a constant, as well as some external friendlies on the mainland. Plans to get Orkney 2XV into the league setup are gathering pace, with volunteers keen to recruit and retain players. Social events are also planned so international games can be watched at the club, including one 6am breakfast to watch the 2023 World Cup.

This year has seen continued development in the women and girl’s sections, with further recruitment on the agenda. This was emphasised by Orkney’s Cailynn Williamson and Anne Smith’s inclusion in the age-group Caledonia North Regional team. There are also veteran “Vikings” teams for both men and women, participating in local fixtures and events held on the mainland. Several ORFC Veteran women travelled to compete in the Wooden Spoon competition this year.

“The club’s ability to adapt and innovate is evident in its embrace of digital platforms. With fixtures streamed online by a dedicated volunteer, the club has not only facilitated broader access for fans but also attracted a considerable online audience, with over 1000 viewers tuning in for some fixtures.

“This technological outreach has undoubtedly enhanced the club’s visibility and connected the broader community to the ORFC’s achievements and events – and ultimately inspiring future generations. Beyond the senior teams, ORFC’s commitment to developing rugby at all levels is evident in the strides made in the women and girl’s sections.
“ORFC’s achievements over the past year have not only elevated the club’s standing in the rugby community but have also had a positive impact on the broader Orkney community. Through success on the field, growth in membership, and commitment to inclusivity and development across all age groups, ORFC has become a leader in community engagement in Orkney”- Sean Corrigall- Orkney Rugby Development Officer.