Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 30 years old and currently the Club Community Rugby Officer at Lurgan Rugby Football Club. I was late to playing the sport of rugby, only joining my first adult team when I was studying in Scotland and it has been one of my biggest passions ever since.
How did you get involved in volunteering in sport?
The club needed coaches and I wanted to volunteer.
What is your volunteering role within the club?
CCRO, Senior Women's Coach, Youth Girl's Coach and Affiliate Referee.
What does your role entail?
Travelling to local schools within the Lurgan and Craigavon Area, to promote and coach rugby. It is also to try and get young people involved within Rugby and joining the club. Organizing Blitzes to promote youth and mini rugby within the area.
What attracted you to the role?
I have always had an interest in coaching and trying to coach future generations in a sport that has helped me a lot.
How long have you been volunteering in sports and has it always been in this role?
I started volunteering in September, so I am fairly new to it.
Did you have any rugby experience before you started volunteering?
I started playing rugby in 2016 after a break from playing it in school. I have spent most of my years playing within SRU and three years now within the IRFU.
Do you think it’s essential to have rugby experience to volunteer in your role or can anyone do it?
It helps to have experience within rugby to volunteer within my role, however rugby needs as many volunteers to keep running and it doesn't really matter how much experience you have as any club would be glad of your help.
Have you gained any new skills through volunteering?
Understanding people's different needs - so this is when people have different learning styles, so they may be more visual over auditory or kinaesthetic.
Has volunteering improved your confidence?
Yes, it has helped me be more vocal and helped me speak in front of crowds.
Has volunteering in sport impacted positively on your life?
Volunteering has impacted positively on my life as it has boosted my confidence, helped with my mental health, and helped with my fitness.
Have you had any volunteering Highlights if yes, what was it?
Seeing Lurgan Senior Women win on 1 December, every player played out of their comfort zone, played in positions that they weren't all used to and just fought the whole time that they played.
What would you tell other people who would like to get involved in Rugby but who don’t play or have no experience in rugby?
No matter shape, size, age or experience, rugby is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. Come, join, and enjoy one of the best sports in the world.