Castleford Tigers ‘unsung hero’ Elsie Jarvis in line for national award

Grandmother-of-one Mrs Jarvis first started volunteering at Wheldon Road 22 years ago.

Now, after being taken on as part-time staff at the club, Tigers’ captain Michael Shenton has nominated Mrs Jarvis, 70, for a Ladies of the League award.

Mrs Jarvis, of Wakefield Road, Pontefract, said: “I first started supporting Cas about 25 years ago and I was asked if I’d like to volunteer to clean up the ground after games.

“It’s gone on from there really. I just love being down at the ground. Whatever wants doing, I’ll just do it.”

Mrs Jarvis works cleaning in the Tigers’ Bar and the executive suites.

Her husband Horace also volunteers at the ground and used to be the club’s mascot.

Mrs Jarvis said: “I think my passion for the club is what drives me on.

“The people that work there and the players are just so nice as well.”

Mr Shenton formally nominated Mrs Jarvis for the award at a ceremony at Wheldon Road last week.

She said: “I didn’t really know what was happening to be honest.

“I was told to get to the ground for a certain time and I thought it was to do some work but then Michelle, the club’s press officer, took me onto the pitch to meet Michael Shenton.

“It’s great to be nominated and feel valued not just by the staff at the club but by the players as well.

“I will carry on at the club as long as my body allows me I just love being there.”

Mrs Jarvis will now compete with nine other women from clubs across the country for the award after being nominated by Mr Shenton.

He said: “The reason I am nominating Elsie is because of her incredible volunteer work for the club helping to raise money, looking after the ground and she really looks after the boys so much. She does all of the little bits. Her and her husband Horace do such a great job without people like them the club just wouldn’t survive.

“Elsie is the real rock and foundation of our club. She is an unsung hero”

Visit www.ladiesoftheleague.co.uk to vote.