Louise Rutherford and Kieran Scargill, who volunteer at 5 WAYS, have been nominated for local awards that recognise their contribution to sport, activity and the Leeds recovery community.
Louise received support for alcohol-related issues from Forward Leeds and attended the St Anne’s Alcohol Service Rehab in late 2024.
After leaving rehab, she joined 5 WAYS as a member in January 2025 and quickly embraced the opportunities available through the Sporting Your Recovery programme as a way to build her confidence and overcome her anxiety.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Louise rediscovered her passion for netball after not playing since secondary school. Her enthusiasm and determination helped establish the regular Monday evening netball sessions for people in recovery across Leeds. These have created a welcome space for people to improve their physical health, build confidence and strengthen their recovery.
Louise first became involved as a peer mentor before volunteering with the Sporting Your Recovery programme at 5 WAYS in August 2025. Since then, she has become a driving force behind the growth of netball within the recovery community in Leeds, helping to organise two Netball Festivals.
In February 2026, Louise achieved her Level 1 Netball Coaching qualification and is already working towards her Level 2 certificate. She works closely with England Netball to deliver sessions and support participants, helping to make netball accessible to more people in recovery across the city.
Her nomination comes at an exciting time, with Forward Leeds/ 5 WAYS recently becoming an official England Netball delivery partner, further strengthening opportunities for people in recovery to get involved in the sport.
Louise said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for this award. When I first came to 5 WAYS, I never imagined I’d be helping to run netball sessions and becoming a coach. Sport has played a huge part in my recovery, giving me confidence, purpose and a real sense of belonging. Being able to share that with other people in recovery and see them grow in confidence too is the most rewarding part. I’d like to thank everyone at Forward Leeds, 5 WAYS and England Netball for their support and encouragement along the way.”
The Centenary ONE Awards ceremony will take place at York Sport Club on 28 June, where Louise’s achievements will be celebrated alongside other inspirational individuals from across the netball community.
Kieran began experiencing problems with a range of substances including ketamine in his twenties. In his thirties, he recognised that he needed professional support and moved into Reflections House in Castleford – a supported accommodation service run primarily by people in recovery, for people seeking recovery.
As part of his agreement with Reflections House, Kieran was encouraged to undertake volunteering. Through this, he reconnected with former Reflections staff member Craig Wilkinson, who now works as part of the DayHab team at 5 WAYS.
A passionate footballer, Kieran was part of the Barnsley FC Academy until the age of 18. Keen to use his experience and knowledge to support others, he began volunteering as an Activity Coordinator at 5 WAYS.
Since then, Kieran has become a key part of the service. Alongside leading the popular Thursday football sessions and supporting the 5 WAYS Sporting Your Recovery programme, he has helped launch the Yorkshire Road to Recovery League, creating more opportunities for people in recovery to get involved in sport and build positive connections.
Through his volunteering, Kieran’s confidence has continued to grow. He now facilitates a range of support groups at 5 WAYS and plays an important role in helping others on their recovery journeys.
In recognition of his dedication and the positive impact on people in recovery through football, Kieran has been shortlisted as a finalist in the New Volunteer of the Year category at the West Riding Grassroots Football Awards 2026.
Kieran said: “Football has always been a big part of my life, but recovery has given me the opportunity to use it in a different way. Being able to support people, build their confidence and see them enjoying themselves again is incredibly rewarding. To be shortlisted for this award is a real honour, but the biggest achievement is seeing the positive difference football can make in people’s recovery.”
Kieran continues to play for Athersley Recreation Sunday League team, this year helping them win the treble of the Barnsley Sunday League, Roy Parden Trophy and Hospital Cup.