Last Friday, 9th October, Torbay Communities* held their annual Torbay Community Awards 2026. At the event, our very own Alfie Kidd (aged 15) was selected from four finalists to receive the Young Volunteer of the Year award (sponsored by South Devon College). A vote (by all attendees) was also taken at the end of the event for the overall Community Champion Award, and a delighted Alfie was selected to receive this additional award too.
*Torbay Communities is a major umbrella charity in Torbay that supports residents, voluntary groups, and community organisations through services such as the Torbay Community Helpline, Community Builders, funding advice, volunteering support, and youth and older adult programmes. It operates across Brixham, Paignton, and Torquay, aiming to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Alfie Kidd
One of the most remarkable members of Brixham RFC’s Saturday morning volunteer team is 15-year-old Alfie. Working alongside volunteers aged 50, 60, 70 and even 80+, Alfie regularly gives up his Saturday mornings to simply get stuck in and help with whatever needs doing. His attitude and willingness to contribute are genuinely remarkable.
Alfie can often be found cleaning, emptying bins, sweeping, painting, weeding, litter picking and helping wherever he is needed. He never seems to consider a job too small or too unglamorous. If something needs doing, Alfie is happy to get involved. Together, these volunteers have helped ensure that the club’s grounds, grandstand, changing rooms and entrances are ready for the start of the season.
What makes Alfie particularly special is that he is not simply volunteering because he has to — he genuinely wants to be there. He is a young person choosing to spend his free time working alongside people several generations older than him, contributing to the club he loves.
Alfie is also a promising young rugby player and an important part of match days. He regularly acts as a ball boy for the Brixham first team, travelling to away matches and supporting the team throughout the season. His contribution also extends to the youngest members of the club. Alfie has previously volunteered to help with the Rugby Cubs programme for children aged three to six, helping younger children take their first steps into rugby.
Away from the pitch, he is also regularly seen helping his mum at the Try Line Tavern at the club, showing that his willingness to contribute is part of his everyday life.
At just 15, Alfie already demonstrates the qualities that clubs hope to develop in their young people: commitment, responsibility, teamwork, respect and community spirit. He represents what is so positive about the next generation coming through Brixham RFC.
While many young people might spend their Saturday mornings doing something entirely different, Alfie chooses to give his time to his club and his community — working hard alongside older generations and showing that volunteering has no age limit.
Alfie is not just the future of Brixham RFC; he is already making a valuable contribution to its present.
Pictured: Adam Thomas, Alfie Kidd, proud mum Robbie Thomas and Brixham RFC Volunteer coordinator Pat Stokes at the awards ceremony held at the Bay Church.
