Sporting Club Albion members honoured
MORE than 300 footballers and basketball players were at The Hawthorns last night for the annual Sporting Club Albion awards night, with Chris Brunt on hand to distribute the prizes.
Sporting Club Albion is an integral part of The Albion Foundation and provides an opportunity for the local community to wear the Albion colours in a range of sports including girl’s football basketball and disability sport. The Club has over 250 players and 20 teams, with representatives from the girls' Centre of Excellence, ladies football and basketball teams attending the event.
Northern Ireland international Brunt handed out awards and posed for photos with the lucky award winners in each age group. Individual trophies were given to the Player’s player, Coaches’ player and Parent’s player of the year for the girls/ladies and, as is the tradition in basketball, also a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
Compered by Louise Scott, girls Centre of Excellence manager, the night featured a multitude of videos and photos showcasing the highlights of an action packed season which included the U16 boys basketball remaining unbeaten all season and the Sporting Club Albion Ladies team reaching the County Cup Final, while also progressing to the quarter finals of the Women’s FA Cup where they came up against Women’s Super League side Manchester City.
Rob Lake Director of the Foundation said: "It was fantastic to see such an excited crowd at another of our end of season awards nights. The atmosphere was electric.
"We really appreciate Chris taking time out of his day to join us this evening. Being on stage for the players to have their photo with, really made the night special for them. There is a great trust and respect between the coaches and I felt that was demonstrated with their speeches. I cannot speak highly enough of the group and all I can say is, bring on next season."
It was also announced that Sporting Club Albion will revert back to the West Bromwich Albion name as of next season.
The evening once again ended with the Peter Rippington Award. The award is given in honour of Peter Rippington, long standing supporter of all levels of football, a loved teacher at Alvechurch School, and father to Amy who tragically lost his life in early 2012.
Peter was renowned for loyalty, selflessness, and hard work in all aspects of his life. The award is given to the player who, in the eyes of the Ladies coaching team and senior playing staff, has represented the SCA badge with the same loyalty and dedication that Peter represented his family, his school and his community.
This year, the award was dedicated to four Sporting Club Albion Ladies player’s who have lost relatives throughout the season.
The Albion Foundation would like to thank Chris Brunt for his assistance on the evening.