Tonight saw the annual Reading Sport Awards take place at the Hilton Hotel shining a spotlight on clubs, schools and colleges that have celebrated a special sporting achievement in the past twelve months or individuals who deserve recognition for their long service or outstanding achievement.
Whilst we weren’t unfortunately shortlisted, we are very honoured to have been nominated in several categories and are also immensely proud of our Cityzens who were individually nominated.
Here’s a recap of all our nominations.
Club of the Year
Everyone at Reading City Football Club was thrilled to learn that we had received a nomination for the ‘Club of the Year’ Category at the 2024 Reading Sport Awards.
As a club we are very proud to sit at the heart of the community and having adopted our ‘Pride of Reading’ values we have strengthened our connection with the local community.
We are delighted to be able to share some of the kind and positive words from our nominations:
“A true community gem, with 30 teams and 400+ players from age 4 to adults, Reading City Football Club is all about grassroots football, inclusivity and youth development”.
“From phenomenal coaches to upgraded facilities and sustainability efforts, this club goes beyond football! Fostering unity, equality and inspiring young talent. Their incredible volunteers dedicate countless hours to ensure everyone can play the game they love.”
“With a strong focus on community engagement, they organise clinics, charity events and provide top-notch training for future stars. Reading City truly sets the standard for excellence on and off the pitch”.
Club Person of the Year
We are very proud that Club Treasurer, Victoria Pyke was nominated for ‘Club Person of the Year’ at the 2024 Reading Sport Awards.
Victoria is more than just our treasurer, as she helps to run the bar on matchdays here at the Rivermoor, supports our thirty youth teams with administration and helped to coordinate the improvements to the Rivermoor in recent years and much, much more.
Victoria is often light-heartedly dubbed as Karen Brady, as just like the businesswomen who has been influential in football in recent years. Victoria is influential to Reading City Football Club, and we don’t know what we’d do without her.
Sports Personality of the Year
Harlen Lewis, a product of the Reading City Football Club Academy having been part of the club since the age of ten was nominated in the ‘Sports Personality of the Year Category’ at the 2024 Reading Sports Awards.
During the 2023/24 Season he was part of our Under 18s squad who narrowly missed out on the Combined Counties Football League Tony Ford Under 18 Division West title, his performances during this campaign along with his clear eye for goal having once scored five goals within thirty-five minutes didn’t go unnoticed and earlier this summer he progressed to the first team, the ultimate dream for all our youngsters and a proud moment for the club.
Sadly, Harlen picked up an ankle injury during which sidelined him at the beginning of his debut season in senior football. Eventually making his First Team Debut on Saturday 9th November in our 1-2 win away to Wembley.
Despite his injury, Harlen showed great sportsmanship and remained a supportive teammate, showing unmatched dedication to the club and his growth.
Team of the Year
We are immensely proud that our Under 18s were nominated in the ‘Team of the Year’ Category at the 2024 Reading Sport Awards.
Last season our Under 18s many of whom were aged only 15 and 16 at the time defied expectations by becoming the League Cup Quarter Finalists, County Cup Semi Finalists and securing a third-place league finish in the Combined Counties Football League Tony Ford Under 18 Division West.
We are delighted to be able to share some of the kind and positive words from our nominations:
“This young squad, mainly 15 and 16-year-olds showed skill and grit and faced older teams with style and determination”
Club Chairman, Martin Law had this to say:
“Firstly, I’d like to say well done to all clubs, organisations and individuals who were nominated & shortlisted ahead of this evening’s ceremony as well as congratulate all the winners at tonight’s ceremony.
The annual Reading Sport Awards celebrate and showcase the wealth of sporting talent in Reading, so whilst it’s disappointing to not have made the shortlist. I am extremely proud of each, and every person involved with Reading City Football Club having received nominations in four out of the twelve categories highlighting the hard work that is being done both on and off the pitch to make our club, a club that everyone can be proud of.
A special mention must go to Harlen and Victoria who received individual nominations, two individuals who embody the values of Reading City Football Club.
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate either the club or members of our City Family.”
