Tell us a bit about yourself.
Currently Chair of rugby since 22/23 season, retired from playing 10 years ago and took up the role of Chair of Selection. Coached mini's for 6 years. Sat on the Ulster panel for the introduction of Academy (u21) rugby into Ulster and Manage Skins u21s. I started a men's 4th XV for 2 half seasons. Last season I started up my favourite team in the club the SKINclusions mixed ability tag team. We have around 15 players and a dozen suitably qualified coaches. This season I have started the MunchSKINs which is a preschool age rugby 'creche'. The overall aim is to create a truly all-inclusive community club in the rural SW Fermanagh area which offers rugby to all.
How did you get involved in volunteering in sport?
I was asked first to be a mini's coach, then to take on Chair of Selection, then Chair of Rugby. You don't ask you don't get scenario.
What is your volunteering role within the club?
Chair of Rugby, but really overseeing senior men's teams go out, recruiting and registering senior men, managing and coaching Academy, mixed ability tag and whatever else our fantastic coaching volunteers need supported with
What does your role entail?
Communication groups, organising, having equipment and facilities available, opening and locking up, team sheets/reinstatements, liaise fixtures and match sec, meeting the convenors and developing rugby. Meeting with coach coordinator and CWO. Managing and coaching lower senior men, mixed ability and academy teams. Ordering food on match day, and transport for my relevant teams. Making sure the playing side of the club and volunteers are as happy as possible. Liaising with PR team and management.
How long have you been volunteering in sports and has it always been in this role?
10 years covering a range of roles, it's good to have new challenges to avoid becoming stale or mundane.
Do you think it’s essential to have rugby experience to volunteer in your role or can anyone do it?
No and I have several volunteers from a non-rugby background who are fantastic at working with children or whatever their role entails.
Has volunteering in sport led to any other opportunities either in sport or outside of sport?
I'm not sure, perhaps it's opened my eyes to other sections of the community. I think recently working with the inclusion group has really helped me gain an understanding of the importance to integrate and look at the perspective of those less fortunate.
Have you had any volunteering highlights?
SKINclusions trip to the Kingspan Stadium for the half-time games.
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?
Go for it!