King Cross Park coach Hamer scoops national award

King Cross Park U10s coach James Hamer has been named RFL Junior Coach of the Year 2026, as part of the Rugby Football League’s 2026 Community Volunteer Awards.

He was one of only three coaches from across the country shortlisted for the award, recognising his approach to grassroots coaching built around a simple principle: every child matters and every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy rugby league.

Hamer has helped to create a fun, safe and welcoming environment at the Halifax club, where children can develop at their own pace and feel valued as part of the team.

The U10s team includes a number of autistic and ADHD children, and Hamer adapts his communication and coaching to recognise that every player learns differently.

His patient and individual approach has helped young players build confidence, form friendships and enjoy being part of a team, including children who may previously have found participating in team sport challenging.

Hamer is also passionate about encouraging girls to play and develop within rugby league, ensuring female players are given the same opportunities to learn, grow in confidence and become valued members of the team.

Success isn’t measured simply by results on a rugby pitch, but by the opportunities the club can give its young players and the memories they create together.

That philosophy also extends into the wider community, and his young team have taken part in fundraising activities including Trek26 in support of Alzheimer’s Society, the Overgate Hospice Colour Run 2026 and Junior Warrior 2025, where they raised money for Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK), a cause with personal significance to one of the team’s families.

England Women head coach Stuart Barrow and Halifax Panthers’ Curtis Davies travelled to King Cross Park last weekend to present the award to a delighted Hamer, who said: “It was definitely unexpected but I’m genuinely honoured to receive this award.

"I certainly didn’t get involved in junior rugby league expecting to win trophies myself; that’s for the kids to achieve.

“For me, coaching has always been about giving back to the game I've played and supported all my life and to give every child the chance to enjoy rugby league, whatever their ability, background or circumstances.

"Every child is different, and if they leave training smiling, feeling more confident and knowing they’re an important part of the team, then we’ve done our job.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have a brilliant group of kids, parents, coaches and volunteers around me at King Cross Park.

"None of what we do happens because of one person, I have two extremely hard working coaches alongside me that makes up a great coaching team and there are people giving up their evenings and weekends at grassroots clubs across Halifax and throughout rugby league who deserve recognition too.

“I’m enormously proud of our U10s and everything they’ve achieved, both on and off the pitch. To receive this recognition from the RFL is very special, but seeing these kids enjoying rugby, developing friendships, learning important life skills along the way and growing as people will always mean more to me than any award.”

A statement released by the RFL said: “James is a fantastic example of the impact great coaches can have.

"His commitment to creating a fun, safe, and inclusive environment means every child feels valued and has the opportunity to develop through rugby league. Coaches like James are the lifeblood of the sport, helping the next generation develop not just as players, but as people."