Paul Thompson (Chairman of Playing & Selection) welcomed players, parents & coaches to Hamilton Park and thanked all for their contribution to Ards Rugby throughout the season.

Youth Convenor Matthew Wallace & Girls co-ordinator Jill Shaw outlined the season and highlighted the increased playing numbers in both the boys & girls sections and the girls reaching two finals.

Director of Rugby Stevie Nutt recognised the great work of all the coaches; evidenced in Laura Scott & Shola Illuyemi representing Ulster U18 girls and both Ruby Black & Joey Carson being selected for the summer Ulster Rugby Regional Development Squads.

Youth Rugby is certainly on the up at Ards Rugby - if you want to be part of it either as a player, coach, referee or admin volunteer contact Stevie Nutt 07783475153.

Award winners were:

Youth Player of Year Award - Laura Scott

Boys:
U12 Most Improved Player - Harley McKeag
U12 Coaches Player of Year - Kai Smith

U14 Most Improved Player - Jacob Dowey
U14 Coaches Player of Year - Archie Lappin

U16 Most Improved Player - Luke Millar
U16 Coaches Player of Year - Cole Mattox

Girls:
U12 Most Improved Player - Erin Simpson
U12 Coaches Player of Year - Kate McKinley

U14 Most Improved Player - Aoife Canning
U14 Coaches Player of Year - Amy Hanvey

U16 Most Improved Player - Faith Gordon
U16 Coaches Player of Year - Eva Woodburn

U18 Most Improved Player - Jess Reilly
U18 Coaches Player of Year - Alexandra Hunter

Recognition awards:

Selection for Ulster teams:
Laura Scott (Ulster U18 girls)
Shola Illuyemi (Ulster U18 girls)

Two other youth players have been selected for Ulster Regional Development Squads -
Joey Carson (Ulster U17 boys)
Ruby Black (Ulster U16 boys)