Having been volunteering with Ulster Rugby since 2013, Julie Adams is a familiar face at Kingspan Stadium. Each match night she freely gives of her time to ensure that OUR Club, the exclusive supporters club for Season Ticket Holders aged 16 and under, provides a range of activities and experiences for all members.
We caught up with Julie to find out a little bit more about the OUR Club experience and what makes volunteering at Ulster Rugby so special.
What does your volunteering involve?
Being in OUR Quarter on match nights, engaging with Junior Season Ticket holders, putting tattoos on their faces/hands, getting them to enter competitions each week. Before a match, we would typically have a visit to OUR Quarter from a player, so I ensure the kids get autographs and photos. Fifteen minutes before kick-off, I meet the children who are participating in Guard of Honour and line them up on the pitch prior to the players coming out.
Have you had a previous volunteering role elsewhere?
No, but I have since volunteered with the IRFU at the Women’s 7s in 2016 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2017. I have also volunteered at other events, such as the Irish Open in 2017.
What inspired you to get involved?
I love rugby and have always been a supporter of Ulster Rugby. I would have attended most matches, so when I saw they were looking for volunteers, I saw it as an opportunity to get involved with a sport and team I loved so just thought I would apply. As I enjoy it so much, I have registered with Volunteer Now, which has led to me volunteering at other events.
What attracted you to the role?
Initially I started volunteering with the charity partner, but other opportunities were available that interested me such as Ulster Rugby Crew which involved helping at summer camps.
What skills or qualities are required for your volunteering role?
Good communication and an outgoing personality are good skills for OUR Club. I have built good relationships with a lot of the parents, which I think has been key. Being able to chat to the kids and make them feel welcome is really important for my role.
Why do you volunteer?
I love the role and I have made some very good friends with other volunteers and some parents.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
The friendships I have made. I also love seeing the kids’ faces when they get to meet their favourite Ulster player, or when they are on the pitch for first time and I can see the excitement on their faces.
Why would you encourage others to get involved?
It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back to something that has been a part of your life. I enjoy attending the matches, so being able to help at them, whilst doing something so enjoyable is very rewarding. You learn different skills that you may not get an opportunity to learn through a job and you get to meet people from all walks of life.
What has been the highlight of your volunteering?
I spent a week in Dublin as a team liaison for the Women’s 7s in 2016 on behalf of the IRFU. I couldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for my volunteering with Ulster Rugby. This made it possible for me to be part of a team of volunteers at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. I have also been able to meet some of my favourite rugby players, who now recognise me, which my 12 year old son thinks is great.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start volunteering?
Do it!! Don’t hesitate. Speak to any of the match night volunteers and every one of them will tell you how rewarding and fun it is. It will look good on any University or job application as well.
Do you have to come from a rugby background or need rugby knowledge to volunteer with a rugby club?
In my opinion, no. I have never played rugby but always enjoyed watching it. I don’t know many of the rules, but I always enjoyed the atmosphere of the matches and found it more a enjoyable sport to watch as opposed to football. I got my son involved in playing rugby from a young age and I then started learning more about the game and loved it even more.
Ulster Rugby is always keen to hear from enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to give up their time to enhance the sport. If you would like to learn more about the various volunteering opportunities available near you, please visit our Volunteering webpage or email volunteer@ulsterrugby.com.
We caught up with Julie to find out a little bit more about the OUR Club experience and what makes volunteering at Ulster Rugby so special.
What does your volunteering involve?
Being in OUR Quarter on match nights, engaging with Junior Season Ticket holders, putting tattoos on their faces/hands, getting them to enter competitions each week. Before a match, we would typically have a visit to OUR Quarter from a player, so I ensure the kids get autographs and photos. Fifteen minutes before kick-off, I meet the children who are participating in Guard of Honour and line them up on the pitch prior to the players coming out.
Have you had a previous volunteering role elsewhere?
No, but I have since volunteered with the IRFU at the Women’s 7s in 2016 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2017. I have also volunteered at other events, such as the Irish Open in 2017.
What inspired you to get involved?
I love rugby and have always been a supporter of Ulster Rugby. I would have attended most matches, so when I saw they were looking for volunteers, I saw it as an opportunity to get involved with a sport and team I loved so just thought I would apply. As I enjoy it so much, I have registered with Volunteer Now, which has led to me volunteering at other events.
What attracted you to the role?
Initially I started volunteering with the charity partner, but other opportunities were available that interested me such as Ulster Rugby Crew which involved helping at summer camps.
What skills or qualities are required for your volunteering role?
Good communication and an outgoing personality are good skills for OUR Club. I have built good relationships with a lot of the parents, which I think has been key. Being able to chat to the kids and make them feel welcome is really important for my role.
Why do you volunteer?
I love the role and I have made some very good friends with other volunteers and some parents.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
The friendships I have made. I also love seeing the kids’ faces when they get to meet their favourite Ulster player, or when they are on the pitch for first time and I can see the excitement on their faces.
Why would you encourage others to get involved?
It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back to something that has been a part of your life. I enjoy attending the matches, so being able to help at them, whilst doing something so enjoyable is very rewarding. You learn different skills that you may not get an opportunity to learn through a job and you get to meet people from all walks of life.
What has been the highlight of your volunteering?
I spent a week in Dublin as a team liaison for the Women’s 7s in 2016 on behalf of the IRFU. I couldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for my volunteering with Ulster Rugby. This made it possible for me to be part of a team of volunteers at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. I have also been able to meet some of my favourite rugby players, who now recognise me, which my 12 year old son thinks is great.
What advice would you give someone who wants to start volunteering?
Do it!! Don’t hesitate. Speak to any of the match night volunteers and every one of them will tell you how rewarding and fun it is. It will look good on any University or job application as well.
Do you have to come from a rugby background or need rugby knowledge to volunteer with a rugby club?
In my opinion, no. I have never played rugby but always enjoyed watching it. I don’t know many of the rules, but I always enjoyed the atmosphere of the matches and found it more a enjoyable sport to watch as opposed to football. I got my son involved in playing rugby from a young age and I then started learning more about the game and loved it even more.
Ulster Rugby is always keen to hear from enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to give up their time to enhance the sport. If you would like to learn more about the various volunteering opportunities available near you, please visit our Volunteering webpage or email volunteer@ulsterrugby.com.