Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have been involved in our club for over 30 years, with more than 15 of those spent coaching youth girls rugby. Rugby has always been a huge part of my life and over the years the club has become like a second family to me. I am married with four children, two of whom still play within the club, so we spend a lot of our time around rugby and enjoying everything the club has to offer.
Being involved for so long has allowed me to see the club grow and develop, especially within the girls section, and it has been fantastic to watch so many young players come through the ranks.
What is your volunteering role within the club?
P1 and Under 8/10 girls coach.
What does your role entail?
My role involves helping young girls learn and enjoy rugby in a safe, positive and encouraging environment. Every week is different, but my responsibilities include:
- Teaching core rugby skills such as passing, tackling and counter rucking
- Supporting fitness, teamwork and player development
- Encouraging confidence and inclusion for every player
- Ensuring safeguarding and welfare standards are always met
- Organising and delivering fun, engaging training sessions
- Helping players build friendships and enjoy being part of the club community
- Supporting match days and encouraging good sportsmanship on and off the pitch
- One of the most important parts of the role is making sure the girls enjoy themselves and continue to grow in confidence both as players and as individuals.
How long have you been volunteering in sports and has it always been in this role?
I have been volunteering within the club for more than 15 years, mainly within youth girls rugby coaching. Over that time I have had the opportunity to work with different age groups and support players at various stages of their rugby journey.
Why do you volunteer?
I wanted to give something back to the club that gave me my first opportunity to play rugby. Rugby gave me so many great experiences, friendships and memories over the years, so volunteering felt like the perfect way to help provide those same opportunities for the next generation.
I also love being able to encourage young girls to get involved in sport, develop confidence and enjoy being part of a team environment.
What makes your club a great place to volunteer?
The sense of support and community within the club is what makes it such a great place to volunteer. Everyone is willing to help and encourage each other, whether you are a long serving volunteer or just starting out.
One moment that really stood out for me was when another coach stepped down and handed me their kit. It showed the trust, encouragement and welcoming nature that exists within the club. There are always opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people and become more involved in different areas of club life.
Has volunteering improved your life?
Absolutely. Volunteering has given me so much enjoyment and a real sense of pride. One of the biggest highlights for me was being selected as one of 25 Rugby World Cup ambassadors in 2017, which was an incredible experience and something I never imagined when I first became involved in coaching.
Volunteering has opened up opportunities to meet amazing people, develop new skills and be part of memorable experiences through rugby. Most importantly, I love seeing the girls smile, grow in confidence and develop their love for the game. Watching players improve over the years and seeing friendships form through sport is incredibly rewarding.
It has also allowed me to stay connected to a club that has meant so much to me throughout my life and given me a strong sense of community and belonging.