York City Knights

Rugby League has been a major part of the Thorman family life for many, many years. All three of Phyllis’ sons have played Rugby League from a young age and have gone on to make a career out of it, wherever in the world it has taken them – from Huddersfield to New South Wales.

As it happens, all three of her boys have played for York City Knights at some point in their careers and the Knights also gave her eldest son, Chris, his first coaching role in 2012.

Phyllis was unrelenting in her support of her sons and washed kit, raised funds and even drove minibuses to away games every Saturday and Sunday. The number of miles covered never occurred to Phyllis until her eldest son, Chris, pointed out that she had covered five counties in one day.

Phyllis demonstrated a genuine support and love for the sport having taken on administration duties with amateur Rugby League clubs, registering players, representing clubs at District and local league meetings, safeguarding those involved and welfare duties at regional residential camps.

Phyllis worked long hours and gave 100% to everything she did, putting her skills at being resourceful to the test and endeavoured to maintain a sense of humour. She always said that this was a huge learning curve, which certainly gave her the strength and confidence to take on future tasks, which she possibly wouldn’t have undertaken without having this valuable experience.

To me, all of the above demonstrates that Phyllis is a ‘super fan’, whether it was in her voluntary capacity with the clubs or by supporting her sons.