Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been involved in the background since the Panthers were formed but in 2020, I took over as Chairperson of the club.
How did you get involved in volunteering in sport?
I always played sport when I was younger and as I grew up, I wanted to share my love of sport with others, so I became involved in coaching mini rugby and then I got involved with learning disability rugby.
What does your role entail?
Chairing committee meetings, helping to organise the running of our club. Liaising with parents and other clubs throughout the season. Organising our festival and our tour at the end of the season.
What attracted you to the role?
I was an involved in helping in the background but when my father passed away, I wanted to keep the Panthers running as he was co-founder and chairman and I wanted to keep the Panther family growing.
How long have you been volunteering in sports and has it always been in this role?
36 years. I was a mini rugby coach and I coached juniors in hockey too. I then became involved in disability rugby 10 years ago.
Did you have any rugby experience before you started volunteering?
I coached mini rugby and played women’s rugby at Cooke.
Do you think it’s essential to have rugby experience to volunteer in your role or can anyone do it?
I believe certain roles need previous experience but there are lots of roles for volunteers even if they have no previous experience of the game.
Why did you decide to Volunteer in your club?
I always loved sport and wanted to share my love with others.
Have you gained any new skills through volunteering?
I’m now more confident in working with people who have a learning disability.
Has volunteering improved your confidence, if so, how?
It has helped my socialise with lots of you people both young and old and make lots of new friends in our club and with other clubs.
Has volunteering in sport led to any other opportunities either in sport or outside of sport?
It has allowed me to make lots of new friends.
Has volunteering in sport impacted positively on your life, if yes please tell us how / why?
It has given me joy sharing my love of sport with others and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know lots of new people.
Have you had any volunteering Highlights if yes, what was it?
Too many highlights to pick out one!
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?
Get involved, you’ll learn as you go!