Adam nominated for rugby award

15-year-old Limavady High School pupil Adam McFarland has been put forward by PE teacher Stephen McConnell for Vodafone's Try Harder Rugby Award for Schools. The awards are run to highlight Vodafone NI's status as Official Kit Partner of Ulster Rugby with whom the communications company recently signed a new three-year partnership. The 'Try Harder' awards also supports the work that Ulster Rugby is doing to spread the playing of the game in schools throughout Ulster. This rugby season Vodafone will be presenting five Try Harder awards. Adam is described by coach Mr McConnell as dedicated member of the school team. The rugby enthusiast is currently in Year 11 and plays flanker for his team.

Speaking about why he put forward his student for the award Mr McConnell said: "Adam is a very enthusiastic member of the U15 rugby team. He never misses training and always tries his best during games."

Pauline Quigley, Head of Vodafone NI, says: "It's really good to see the interest in rugby in Northern Ireland schools increasing year on year and to see new schools taking up the sport each year.

"At Vodafone NI we hope that the Try Harder awards encourage boys to do their best when playing rugby and while training. The awards will go to the boys who Try Harder and not necessarily the best players."

The Awards are open to every second-level school affiliated to the IRFU Ulster Branch. With the emphasis on effort and hard work on and off the pitch, the Awards have been organised so that a school just starting to play rugby has an equal chance of having an award winner as a school which has a long tradition of excellence in schools rugby.

Rugby coaches and teachers may nominate any number of players for the awards The nominees may be of any age and play at any level of rugby in the school, including players who are not on a regular school team. Vodafone offers the winning player a sports voucher for 200, his school gets a voucher for 300 and the nominating coach or teacher receives a mobile phone from Vodafone.

Nomination forms may be obtained by phoning Duffy Rafferty Communications, tel 02890730880 or by emailing [email protected]