海角直播

Pip鈥檚 passion for sport recognised

With over two decades experience of playing in women鈥檚 rugby, it鈥檚 no surprise Pip Bell鈥檚 involvement in sport has been recognised.

Pip, who is Sports Development Officer (Participation) at 海角直播, has been awarded the Sports Person Special Achievement Award in the Hartlepool Mail Sport Awards. Her mum Pamela nominated Pip for the award run by their local evening newspaper.

It鈥檚 currently Pip鈥檚 25th season playing in women鈥檚 rugby. Her passion for the sport began when her dad John took her to watch a West Hartlepool match when she was eight.

Pip, 33, of Hartlepool, said: 'After I attended my first training session when I was eight years old I got hooked and really enjoyed the playing and social side of the sport. I have had some fantastic opportunities arise through playing rugby. Most of my social circle is linked to rugby.'

She played rugby in Hartlepool from 1998 to 2008 for West Hartlepool and then Hartlepool Old Boys women鈥檚 team. During that time she played at Twickenham in 1996 and has played continually, apart from a short spell for a few months due to injury in 2009. Pip moved to play for Darlington when the women鈥檚 team folded in Hartlepool in 2008

But she never lost interest in sport in her home town and has been involved in helping to get women鈥檚 rugby established once again in Hartlepool.

Pip said: 'I was helping West Hartlepool RFC to try and form a ladies team, helping out with the coaching of the team. As part of my job at the University I also help with the development of the University ladies and men鈥檚 teams.'

She added: 'I am so passionate about sharing my experience in rugby with other people. I really enjoy playing but also encouraging other people to get involved in the game, so to be nominated for - and win - this award was a lovely gesture and made me feel proud of what I have achieved over the last 25 years.

'I have been lucky to help and play rugby with some high level players such as Sophie Spence, current Ireland ladies player and 海角直播 alumni.'

The Hartlepool Mail Sports Awards judges awarded prizes in 13 different categories covering all levels of sporting prowess from grass roots to international level.

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