Tell us a bit about yourself
Currently, I work as a pharmacist. In my last role I was regulator and inspector of health care in NI. I have worked in community health centre pharmacy, did occasional work for Health Boards. I am also a lecturer at Belfast College, and have volunteered on various committees since mid my 30s.
How did you get involved in volunteering in sport?
In October 2017, my daughter asked me if she could join could Larne RFC, and the following year, I joined the committee's girls section, working continuously to retain girls at LRFC. I became Club Honorary Secretary in 2020. At that time, due to ongoing work in health care regulation, I was given role of Covid Safety Officer. Following that I painted various areas of the club and just refurnished an unused bar in the club, so great space for small gatherings (30-40). Installed 2 new TVs which can be used to see footage of matches, quizzes, music, training videos etc.
Post Covid, we had to start again, as our girls had aged out, followed the coach to another club, or gave up rugby. So rather than having no girls' section, I decided to give it a go to lead the section forward. It was a major learning curve, as no rugby background at all. Our catchment area is very limited, but we gained girls through GIAT programmes from 2021 and increased the awareness of girls rugby in Larne. We currently have my daughter as well as 2 other female playing coaches training our girls.
What does your role entail?
Several hours per week. As well as secretary role, section lead for girls and oversight of U8s to U18s, I continue to do refurbishment of club spaces. I've just renovated the members bar, painted a small changing room, painted main bar, doors, kitchen and have introduced seasonal decorations at Halloween and Christmas.
Did you have any rugby experience before you started volunteering?
No absolutely none, no knowledge of rugby, the people in the club or the game itself.
Do you think it’s essential to have rugby experience to volunteer in your role or can anyone do it?
No! If I can do it so can someone else. It’s about passion and delivery, asking for help, support and understanding.
Have you gained any new skills through volunteering?
Well, I'm much more rugby aware, have learned new DIY skills. I'm the only female on the committee, not scared to "get my hands dirty" and motto is " lead by example". So I do get stuck in..
Has volunteering in sport led to any other opportunities either in sport or outside of sport?
Yes, it has helped grow female rugby in the town and club. Our club bar now has females who played rugby helping out.
Has volunteering in sport impacted positively on your life?
Yes, it's rewarding to see the benefits of the girls enjoying rugby, feeling positive and making friendships. Our girls strap line is - Fun friendship and fresh air.
Have you had any volunteering highlights?
The club recognising me and giving me the Annual Club Award Shield, in 2022, and taking the girls on bus trips to Kingspan Stadium to play at half time!
What would you tell other people who would like to get involved in rugby who don’t play or have no experience in rugby?
It's worth it to see the camaraderie. Its very rewarding seeing the girls out on the pitch fielding a team.