The prestigious award won by rising Wire star Arron Lindop

BLOSSOMING Warrington Wolves three-quarter Arron Lindop has received a prestigious college award.

Lindop, who made headlines after his Super League debut for The Wire this year, has been crowned Priestley College’s Sports Person of the Year.

The 18-year-old, who impressed the rugby league world with his performance for Wolves against Catalans Dragons, won the honour at Sport Priestley’s annual awards.

Unfortunately, the 18-year-old, who is studying BTEC Sport Coaching & Development, was unable to collect his trophy in person as he was busy – competing for Wolves again!

Arron Lindop was named Priestley College’s Sports Person of the Year (Image: Contributed)

“I was extremely grateful to receive the award, especially because it was voted for by other students and there are so many talented athletes at this college,” said the former Bridgewater County High School pupil.

“This time last year I had a big injury so it has been a crazy time.

"My biggest achievement has to be making my debut in France as it was a proud day for myself and my family. Even now I cannot put into words how much it means to me.”

Other nominees for the Sports Person of the Year Award were netballer Taylor Ratcliffe and martial artist Jess Ryan, both internationals in their chosen sports.

This year’s Sport Priestley Awards were sponsored by Toby and Lisa Macormac of Warrington Town FC, which hosted the event.

Fitting then, that Priestley College’s Football Academy was named ‘Team of the Year’ after a season that saw the firsts and seconds win their respective leagues.

They reached the finals of the national college competition and the John Sleigh Cheshire Cup.

At the awards dinner, national and international honours were awarded to athletes in sports as diverse as tennis, windsurfing and netball.

Carys Backhouse Worrall, a former pupil at Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, received the Special Recognition Award for her voluntary coaching work at Warrington Youth Zone, RugBees and other community work encouraging girls into rugby league.

Sport tutor Sam Nightingale, who organised the event, paid tribute to the entire cohort.

“We attract the most talented young athletes to Priestley every year and this year’s cohort has impressed not only with their sporting talent, but also their commitment to their studies,” she said.