Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been involved in rugby for most of my life through playing, refereeing, coaching and volunteering within the club. I played my youth rugby at Ards Minis before moving through school rugby at Regent House, while always staying connected to the club. Over the years I was involved as a ball boy for 1XV matches at Ards, continued playing youth rugby whenever possible and later played 1XV rugby in the Ulster League and AIL before progressing into representative rugby with Ulster.
Following medical retirement from playing at 21, I took up refereeing while studying at university in Wales. After moving home in 2020 and registering as a branch affiliated referee with Ards RFC, I became heavily involved again within the club.
Professionally, I am a Maths Teacher at Strangford College and after COVID I also helped restart rugby activities within the school. Rugby has remained a huge part of my life both on and off the pitch and has given me many opportunities to stay involved in the sport and the wider community.
What is your volunteering role within the club?
Youth Convenor.
What does your role entail?
My role involves supporting and developing youth rugby within the club while helping ensure players, coaches and volunteers all have a positive experience. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting the organisation and development of youth rugby across different age groups
- Working closely with coaches, players and parents
- Helping promote rugby and increase participation within the club
- Assisting with player pathways and development opportunities
- Supporting youth events, fixtures and club activities
- Encouraging a positive and inclusive environment for all young players
- Helping maintain strong links between the club, schools and the wider rugby community
- I also remain involved in refereeing and continue to support rugby development both within the club and through school rugby.
How long have you been volunteering in sports and has it always been in this role?
I have been involved in volunteering within rugby for several years through coaching, refereeing and youth development roles. While my current role is Youth Convenor, my involvement has changed over time depending on where I felt I could best support the club and young players.
Why do you volunteer?
Rugby has given me so much throughout my life, from friendships and opportunities to personal development and life experiences, so volunteering is my way of giving something back to the sport and the club.
I enjoy helping young players develop both on and off the pitch and creating opportunities for them to enjoy rugby in the same way I did growing up. Volunteering also allows me to stay connected to the game following my playing career.
What makes your club a great place to volunteer?
Ards RFC has a strong community feel and there is always a willingness from people to support each other and help the club progress. There is a real passion for developing youth rugby and providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.
The club also offers volunteers the chance to become involved in many different areas, whether through coaching, refereeing, youth development or supporting club events, which makes it a rewarding and enjoyable environment to be part of.
Has volunteering improved your life?
Definitely. Volunteering has allowed me to remain involved in a sport that has played such a major role in my life, even after my playing career ended earlier than expected. It has provided opportunities to develop leadership, communication and organisational skills both within rugby and professionally as a teacher.
One of the biggest highlights is seeing young players develop in confidence, enjoy the game and progress through the club. Being able to help shape positive experiences for young people through rugby is incredibly rewarding and continues to motivate me to stay involved.