Tell us a bit about yourself.
I've been playing and watching rugby since P5 and still going to this day. I've always enjoyed a variety of sports, but rugby was the one I stuck to and enjoyed the most.
How did you get involved in volunteering in sport?
I was in university at the time and one of the committee members was stepping down. I was asked if I was able to take on the role.
What is your volunteering role within the club?
Public Relations Officer
What does your role entail?
I look after the website and social media pages for all the latest events and information from Larne RFC. Being a graphic designer by trade, I produce most of the graphics for the rugby club. This includes posters for events, social media images, some video content, club signage, and even designing some of the club's clothing.
What attracted you to the role?
I was approached by a member of the club fulfil the role of public relations and managing the club website due to my technical abilities and interest in helping the club. I had helped out on occasion to make graphics and posters for some of the club events beforehand and was able to help the club out.
How long have you been volunteering in sports and has it always been in this role?
I have been the public relations officer of the club since May 2013.
Did you have any rugby experience before you started volunteering?
Yes - I have been playing rugby since Primary 5 in school.
Do you think it’s essential to have rugby experience to volunteer in your role or can anyone do it?
Anyone can volunteer in this kind of role - most of the role involves posting on social media and then posting up on the website.
Why did you decide to volunteer in your club?
To help the club and to also put my skills to use.
Have you gained any new skills through volunteering?
I've been able to further my skills in design, print knowledge and video editing capabilities.
Has volunteering improved your confidence?
Yes, it has. I'm more confident in public speaking when giving presentations or information to strangers/visitors of the club and even to the mini rugby parents who wouldn't know me as a player of the club, but more as an official.
Has volunteering in sport impacted positively on your life?
Yes, when I started the role, I had just graduated University and was attending job interviews. I was able to create a small portfolio of some of the work I had created for the club and ultimately led me to get offered the position I was applying for. A lot of my portfolio is down to the experience and opportunities gained through the rugby club.
Have you had any volunteering highlights?
Other clubs visiting our clubhouse and asking about the graphics and promotions and if I would be able to design it for their own club.
What would you tell other people who would like to get involved in rugby but have no experience?
No rugby experience necessary to help volunteer for a club. There is always someone there to help give you a hand if there is anything you don't understand. It will help develop yourself as a person, gain valuable experience and help further your skills.