In recognition of the commitment made by these young volunteers the IRFU (Ulster Branch) will be supporting them through a new pilot programme over the next nine months. Running alongside the GoldMark programme the Volunteer & Policy Development Officer will be meeting with the volunteers throughout the season, offering them additional support to complete their log books, build their skills and confidence, to ultimately help them to prepare for University or future employment.
Although the pilot programme is only initially available to a small number of club volunteers, participation in the GoldMark programme is open to all volunteers aged 14-24. Everyone registered in the programme will receive a log book where they can record their hours volunteered, their plans for the future and what they hope to achieve from their volunteering role. Volunteers receive certificates once they have completed 50 hours, 100 hours and 200 hours of volunteering and everyone who has achieved an award will be invited to an awards ceremony in February/March 2016 to celebrate their hard work.
For more information on the GoldMark programme please contact Kerry Spence, Volunteer and Policy Development Officer at Ulster Rugby.
This initiative would not be possible without the funding and support from DSD, through the "Sport: A Home for Life-long Volunteering Programme."