For Volunteers Week 2021 (1 – 7 June), Ulster Rugby will be showcasing some of our outstanding rugby volunteers and highlighting the great work carried out by these individuals across the province.
Volunteer Role: Young Persons' Advisory Group (YPAG)
What do you do?
As part of the Ulster Young Person’s Advisory group, we come together on zoom to discuss and feed back on different ideas, strategies, problems and initiatives faced by youth players in Ulster, in particular within areas like participation, the relationship between clubs and schools and growing the women’s game.
What inspired you to get involved?
As someone who has experienced rugby in Ulster through minis, schools, tag and clubs for quite a few years, I wanted to use my experiences to give back and help the next generation of players to have the best and most enjoyable rugby experience as possible.
What have you enjoyed about this role?
I have really enjoyed our meetings so far, it’s been great getting to know people from a wide variety of rugby backgrounds who are passionate about seeing rugby in Ulster succeed at every level.
What have you gained through volunteering in this role?
Volunteering as part of the YPAG has been really enjoyable and beneficial in terms of working as a team, as despite not knowing each other previously, within a few meetings, I think we had created a safe space where everyone knows that their ideas and opinions are valued being listened to. It’s also been really helpful for confidence as you’ve had to to speak to people in small groups that you haven’t met before!
Volunteer Role: YPAG
What have you gained through volunteering in this role?
“I love rugby and I was given an opportunity to volunteer in a way that benefits my peers and I. Volunteering has helped me develop skills and given me experiences that I can take forward and apply to everyday life. This was an opportunity I couldn’t miss!”
What would you say to other young people who want to get involved in volunteering?
“If you are given an opportunity to volunteer, jump at it!
It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and make new friends who have the same interests a s you, it gives to a sense of involvement and is a brilliant way to gain experience and learn new skills that can applied both on and off the pitch!”
Volunteer Role: YPAG
Why did you get involved in volunteering?
YPAG provides people with an opportunity to help grow and develop the sport of rugby within the province of Ulster. I felt that YPAG would provide me with a chance to leave the game in a better place than we found it in, through a more diverse and inclusive approach to how the game is perceived within our province. Hopefully within the next few seasons we will see a positive impact from YPAG, and all Age Grade players will feel a real benefit to our input in the growth and development of the sport. Particularly, we hope to see this in our clubs and female game which currently lag behind the schools game in terms of development within our province.
What would you say to other young people who want to get involved in volunteering?
I firmly believe that everybody can find their place within the sport of rugby. This can cover many aspects, from being an Age Grade Ulster player, to a mini rugby volunteer. Volunteering provides a great opportunity to stay associated with the sport, even after your playing days are over. Being a volunteer allows you to leave a meaningful impact on the people around you and is an opportunity to give back to the clubs that offered myself and many others the chance to play from a young age.
Everybody has the ability to contribute as a volunteer to a club, from the behind the scenes work, like cutting the grass and cleaning changing rooms, through to the coaches that help develop and nurture talent. Volunteering is a great opportunity to grow and develop aspects such as; teamwork, leadership and resilience.
Archie Moore
Volunteer Role: Young Persons' Advisory Group (YPAG)
What do you do?
As part of the Ulster Young Person’s Advisory group, we come together on zoom to discuss and feed back on different ideas, strategies, problems and initiatives faced by youth players in Ulster, in particular within areas like participation, the relationship between clubs and schools and growing the women’s game.
What inspired you to get involved?
As someone who has experienced rugby in Ulster through minis, schools, tag and clubs for quite a few years, I wanted to use my experiences to give back and help the next generation of players to have the best and most enjoyable rugby experience as possible.
What have you enjoyed about this role?
I have really enjoyed our meetings so far, it’s been great getting to know people from a wide variety of rugby backgrounds who are passionate about seeing rugby in Ulster succeed at every level.
What have you gained through volunteering in this role?
Volunteering as part of the YPAG has been really enjoyable and beneficial in terms of working as a team, as despite not knowing each other previously, within a few meetings, I think we had created a safe space where everyone knows that their ideas and opinions are valued being listened to. It’s also been really helpful for confidence as you’ve had to to speak to people in small groups that you haven’t met before!
Sinead Heaney
Volunteer Role: YPAG
What have you gained through volunteering in this role?
“I love rugby and I was given an opportunity to volunteer in a way that benefits my peers and I. Volunteering has helped me develop skills and given me experiences that I can take forward and apply to everyday life. This was an opportunity I couldn’t miss!”
What would you say to other young people who want to get involved in volunteering?
“If you are given an opportunity to volunteer, jump at it!
It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and make new friends who have the same interests a s you, it gives to a sense of involvement and is a brilliant way to gain experience and learn new skills that can applied both on and off the pitch!”
Ben Thompson
Volunteer Role: YPAG
Why did you get involved in volunteering?
YPAG provides people with an opportunity to help grow and develop the sport of rugby within the province of Ulster. I felt that YPAG would provide me with a chance to leave the game in a better place than we found it in, through a more diverse and inclusive approach to how the game is perceived within our province. Hopefully within the next few seasons we will see a positive impact from YPAG, and all Age Grade players will feel a real benefit to our input in the growth and development of the sport. Particularly, we hope to see this in our clubs and female game which currently lag behind the schools game in terms of development within our province.
What would you say to other young people who want to get involved in volunteering?
I firmly believe that everybody can find their place within the sport of rugby. This can cover many aspects, from being an Age Grade Ulster player, to a mini rugby volunteer. Volunteering provides a great opportunity to stay associated with the sport, even after your playing days are over. Being a volunteer allows you to leave a meaningful impact on the people around you and is an opportunity to give back to the clubs that offered myself and many others the chance to play from a young age.
Everybody has the ability to contribute as a volunteer to a club, from the behind the scenes work, like cutting the grass and cleaning changing rooms, through to the coaches that help develop and nurture talent. Volunteering is a great opportunity to grow and develop aspects such as; teamwork, leadership and resilience.