Congratulations Nathan Power on his recognition in the @Honda_UK and @EnglandRugby Volunteer of the Year Awards in recognition of his work and commitment in refereeing and creating the club referee policy.
Nathan has now been nominated for the National Award at Twickenham in August
‘Nathan Power – Referee & Coach
At just 19 years of age, Nathan Power exemplifies the RFU TREDS values through his unwavering commitment to rugby, refereeing, and coaching. A dedicated member of Sedgley Park RUFC since the age of 10, Nathan progressed through the Minis & Juniors and Colts section as a player and also stepping into refereeing at the age of 15. Since then, he has pursued a successful officiating career, currently operating as a Level 6 referee with MAD Refs while continuing to volunteer at Sedgley Park RUFC and neighbouring clubs.
Alongside working full-time, Nathan devotes countless hours to the club, including:
•Coaching the Senior Colts.
•Refereeing junior games.
•Leading meetings with M&J players, coaches, managers, and parents to improve their understanding of the referee’s role and perspective.
•Serving as a Lancashire RFU Youth Rugby Ambassador.
Nathan’s unique experience as both a player and referee has been instrumental in bridging the gap between teams and match officials. Recognising the challenges posed by football-influenced mentalities in North Manchester, In November 2024 he developed and implemented a referee policy, now fully adopted and published on the club’s website. His proactive approach in engaging with players, parents, and team officials has significantly improved discipline within the M&J section, fostering a culture of respect and understanding towards referees.
Beyond the whistle, Nathan continues to be a mentor, educator, and role model. His impact is felt across all levels of the club, from grassroots development to match-day officiating. Through his dedication, he has not only improved refereeing standards but also strengthened the relationship between players, coaches, and match officials.
Nathan Power is more than a referee; he is a driving force for positive change in youth rugby. His contributions—both on and off the field—make him a truly deserving candidate for this nomination.’
