Oisin Jordan, a pupil at Ballymena Academy describes his volunteer role within the school...
I first started playing rugby when I was around 9 years old at Randalstown RFC and that’s when I first fell in love with the sport. I then went on to play for my school at Ballymena Academy and was also lucky enough to represent Ulster at U16 and U19 level, but due to serious injury I am no longer able to play the sport I love.
As this is my last year at school, I have been given the opportunity to get involved with a project Ulster Rugby has organised this year and have enjoyed being part of it. The support I have received from my school and David McKay, Club & Community Development Officer at Ulster Rugby, has been invaluable.
I currently volunteer with my school’s senior rugby team on match day, which entails sorting kit, getting equipment ready, providing refreshments for the players and being involved in the general warm up. As well as this, I have the responsibility of completing seven weekly E-teamsheets for my school.
The reason I became involved in volunteering was due to not being able to participate in rugby, but I still wanted to give back and stay involved. I enjoy giving up my own time, so I can be a role model for younger pupils in the school and contribute to the sport, while remaining as an important part of the rugby family.
I would encourage people to volunteer as it will allow them to develop crucial skills which can help evolve their future careers in sport through cultivating time management and communication abilities, self-confidence and improving social skills.
As part of the project I am enrolled on the Millennium Volunteers initiative and I hope to complete up to 100 hours of volunteering within my school this year.
I want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way.
Oisin Jordan
Sport - A Home for Lifelong Volunteering
The reason I became involved in volunteering was due to not being able to participate in rugby, but I still wanted to give back and stay involved. I enjoy giving up my own time, so I can be a role model for younger pupils in the school and contribute to the sport, while remaining as an important part of the rugby family.
I would encourage people to volunteer as it will allow them to develop crucial skills which can help evolve their future careers in sport through cultivating time management and communication abilities, self-confidence and improving social skills.
As part of the project I am enrolled on the Millennium Volunteers initiative and I hope to complete up to 100 hours of volunteering within my school this year.
I want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has helped me along the way.
Oisin Jordan
Sport - A Home for Lifelong Volunteering