Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a 20-year-old electrician, rugby enthusiast with no right shoulder and I am an identical twin.
How did you get involved in volunteering in sport?
I suffered multiple shoulder dislocations and had to get shoulder surgery. Due to my job being so hands on, I could not continue playing rugby, so I spent a season on the sideline watching my friends and then got in contact with my old coach and asked about helping out with the seconds. I spent a year with them just bringing the waters on and simple stuff like that.
What does your role entail?
I go to training twice a week, help the coaches with drills, tidy up after them just try and make everything that little bit easier for coaches. On a Saturday I prep the changing room, have a team sheet ready for the referee, prep the warm up for the coaches and then relax until kick-off. During the game, I will carry out water duties for the 80 minutes, after the match I clean up the changing room round up the kits.
What attracted you to the role?
My dad's chairman of the club and my brother plays regularly I couldn’t not stay involved. Being a team manager was perfect for me to stay involved and I just love the club I’d do anything to help.
Did you have any rugby experience before you started volunteering?
Yes, I played minis at academy, played 5 years at Belfast Royal Academy, and then 2 seasons at Instonians.
Have you gained any new skills through volunteering?
Yes! I’ve become more confident with myself in social situations, my organisational skills have definitely improved, and my time management has also improved.
Has volunteering in sport led to any other opportunities either in sport or outside of sport?
I’ve made so many new friends who I have been on trips with and hangout with constantly outside of rugby.
Has volunteering in sport impacted positively on your life?
Yes, I could have a bad day in work, but I’ve constantly got rugby to look forward to it keeps me busy which is really good for me living with ADHD. I can have some very unproductive days and having that constant rush from rugby really clears the fog in the brain.