Behind every successful rugby club is a team of dedicated volunteers. Among them is an inspiring group of young people who are giving their time to support the next generation of players and showing that rugby is about far more than just what happens on the pitch.
From coaching minis and youth teams to supporting fundraising and matchday activities, these young volunteers are strengthening the club community while also gaining valuable life skills themselves.
Jack Cullen | Aged 14 | Minis & Under 12 Boys Coach
Jack is already continuing the club’s tradition of young volunteers inspiring the next generation. Having come through the minis himself, he was particularly inspired by teenage coach Rhys Floyd, who helped coach his age group and has since gone on to become the club’s Community Coach.
“I had teenage coaches like Rhys helping us when I was younger, and that inspired me to give it a go myself,” he says.
Jack now helps with the minis and Under 12 boys, something he finds especially rewarding. “I enjoy giving back to the club and teaching younger players, especially helping with scrummaging because that’s what I enjoy most.”
Through volunteering, he is already seeing personal benefits. “I’m learning patience and communication skills I didn’t have before.”
Jack hopes to continue his journey at the club for many years. “I joined at Under 9s, and I want to go through to seniors. I want to help others do the same.”
Lucie Masi | Aged 17 | Under 12s Boys Coach
Lucie first started volunteering through her Duke of Edinburgh Award and has continued through her sports studies course, showing her commitment to developing both herself and young players.
“I love seeing the progress of the players and watching their understanding of the game improve each week,” she says.
One of her favourite memories came while coaching the Under 8s. “We were doing the ‘Tower of Power’ and they all looked like little T-Rexes with their tiny arms,” she laughs.
Through volunteering she says she has developed confidence and leadership skills. “It’s helped me get better at explaining drills and standing in front of a group. It definitely builds your confidence.”
Her advice to others is simple: “Just do it, give it a go.”
Having played at the club herself for several years, Lucie says the friendships and experiences she has gained make the club a huge part of her life. “I’ve made some great friends here and have so many good memories. I can’t imagine not being part of the club now.”
Tom Woods | Aged 19 | Under 14s Boys Coach
Tom joined the club as an eight-year-old player and, after finishing playing at 17, was keen to stay involved. “I knew I didn’t want to play anymore, but I still wanted to be part of the club, so I asked about helping coach and got involved quite quickly,” he says.
What he enjoys most is seeing players grow in confidence and supporting each other. “Watching the boys build confidence and seeing the team spirit develop is definitely the best part.”
Like all grassroots rugby, there are also plenty of light-hearted moments, including one training session where a player made a great break before falling over and blaming the length of the grass.
Tom says volunteering has helped him become more confident as a leader. “I was quite quiet in my first few sessions, but now I’m confident running drills and giving feedback. It’s really helped my communication skills.”
He would strongly encourage other young players who stop playing to stay involved. “If you still love the game, coaching is a great way to stay involved and pass your knowledge on.”
For Tom, the club remains a special place. “It’s like a second home. There are always familiar faces and such a great atmosphere. It’s hard to match.”
Matt Bramble | Aged 19 | Colts Coach
Matt's coaching journey began following a long-term injury which kept him on the sidelines. Encouraged by others at the club, he decided to stay involved by trying coaching. “People suggested I stay involved and look at the game from a different perspective through coaching,” he says.
He now enjoys watching players develop and knowing some may become future teammates. “The thing I enjoy most is seeing the squad grow, develop new skills and knowing some of them will be teammates further along the journey.”
For Bramble, the most rewarding moments come when players show curiosity. “The best moments are when the lads ask questions about why we’re doing certain things. It shows they’re interested and want to improve.”
Coaching has also helped him understand how to support different personalities. “I’ve learned that everyone reacts differently and there are lots of ways to help people improve.”
Having been part of the club for around eight years, he says the friendships and support network make it special. “This club means a lot to me. The bonds you create here show how strong the community is and how everyone supports each other.”
Ed Washbourne | Aged 18 | Under 8s Coach
Helping with the Under 8s has allowed him to see the game from a different perspective. “I love seeing the players improve every week and watching them develop their skills.”
One of his standout memories came during a trip to Avonvale, where heavy rain turned the day into a muddy adventure with plenty of tumbles on the hillside.
Through coaching, Ed says he has developed strong communication and organisation skills, learning how to adapt sessions depending on what players need to improve. “The rugby club is a great community and the experience I’ve gained through coaching has helped me in all aspects of my life.”
For Ed, the club represents something bigger than rugby. “It shows the power that sport can have in a local community. It’s a place where I’ve met good friends and learned many important skills.”
Amelie Norman | Aged 15 | Minis Sections Volunteer
Amelie shows that volunteering at the club is not just about coaching. Through her work in the clubhouse kiosk, she plays an important role in helping matchdays run smoothly, supporting fundraising for the minis section and helping ease the pressure on other volunteers.
Amelie first got involved through her Duke of Edinburgh Award and quickly became a valued part of the volunteer team. “I help at the kiosk on the till,” she explains.
What she enjoys most is the people side of volunteering. “I like the experience of talking to new people and the feeling of accomplishment by the end of it.”
One of her proudest moments came when she learned new skills while helping during busy matchdays. “My best memory was learning how to prepare the drinks for the first time.”
Through her volunteering, Amelie says she has developed useful skills and confidence. “I’ve learned how to use the till system, organise things and help people.”
She believes volunteering is a great opportunity for other young people. “It’s a good way to get work experience and meet new people. I’d definitely say join – it’s hard work but so worth it.”
For Amelie, the welcoming atmosphere stands out most. “The club, especially the parents, are very welcoming and chatty, and the children are always really polite.”
Building more than players
What stands out across all six volunteers is not just their commitment to helping others, but how volunteering is helping them grow as individuals. From confidence and communication to leadership and teamwork, they are gaining skills that will benefit them far beyond rugby.
Their message to other young people is clear — get involved, give it a try and be part of something bigger than yourself.
These young volunteers are not just supporting sessions today — they are helping build the future of the club.
