The Hepworth 15s awards night : ‘big’ George Richardson is presented with the “Spirit of Huw Thatcher” award

The Hepworth 15 year olds’ presentation night took place on Sunday 22nd May at Bengal Spice in Holmfirth.  The night was organised by James Charlesworth with around 26 players present from both squads.  It was a special night which culminated in George being presented with the “Spirit of Huw Thatcher” award.

Everyone was on good form at the presentation night and had a good laugh.  Thanks to James Charlesworth for organising it and Nige for some great words about the season.

Congratulations to Mattie Shaw, Alexander James, Sam Thompson, Joe Stephenson and Sean Brennan who were presented with the Players’ Player and Coaches’ Player of the year awards for each team.  These lads had great seasons in a year of ups and downs for both teams. 

As well as some great football, both teams showed grit, determination and compassion this season in which many teams would have folded, but in which both Hepworth teams made everybody associated with Hepworth United proud and honoured to be part of this club and this fantastic group of players and friends.

Out of that dark day at Brighouse on 13th March have emerged awesome displays of football and sportsmanship that go beyond what 15 year old players should be expected to show and any of us would want them to have shown.  The force behind their moments of greatest courage and determination was Huw Thatcher, who will forever be Hepworth’s number 2.

The Spirit of Huw Thatcher award was presented to George Richardson who has shown the spirit of a true sportsman having moved to the B team for 3 years only to return to the A team and become one of the league’s best centre forwards – often playing a challenging lone striker role against top defenders.  George has played in the spirit in which Huw played: hard but fair; with courage; for his team mates; and with respect for the opposition.  Congratulations to George who like his team mates in the A and B teams can walk tall and who will treasure this award for the rest of his life.

The award was made in honour of Huw, and will be made every year to a player who has shown similar spirit in that particular year’s 15 year olds’ group. 

It was an emotional but uplifting night, and all 5 coaches (including Nick) look forward to next season – to do it for themselves, the lads, the club and for one player “up there” who will forever be 15; Thatch 2.