Thanks to rugby's volunteers
Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) sees the Rugby Football Union thanking all the volunteers who have made a huge difference to rugby and their communities, especially since the return of the sport following the pandemic.
An estimated 100,000 volunteers help make rugby happen nationwide and it is their passion and hard work that makes sure that players of all ages can enjoy the sport.
They support their clubs and make a difference to their wider neighbourhoods, whether they are coaches building young players’ confidence, referees ensuring matches are played, helping out at their clubs welcoming new members or balancing the books as club treasurers.
Most important asset
RFU President HH Jeff Blackett said: “Over the last season I have been amazed by the way rugby volunteers have bounced back, after a challenging couple of years, to support the return of rugby. They are the most important asset that rugby has, and we are appreciative of every volunteer who makes our sport happen day in, day out.’
Their contribution is being celebrated during Volunteers’ Week 2022. Among them is Jodie Hill, who at 28 stepped up to fill the vacant role of chair when Lincoln RFC were coming out of the pandemic. She has been nominated in the unsung hero category of the for the RFU’s Honda Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Club is like family
Jodie now heads to the national final at Twickenham in September when volunteers from across the country are celebrated and three overall winners will be announced for each of this year’s categories: Unsung Hero, Connecting the Community and Game for All.
Head of Education at Hill Holt Wood, an environmental social enterprise in Lincoln, Jodie dedicates all her spare time to her club. When not playing for Lincoln RFC’s women’s team, she’s organising matches as first team fixtures secretary, performing her role as team manager, organising fundraising and social events, or checking if anyone needs mental health support. You might also find her behind the bar, or cooking for players..
Said Jodie: “The amount of support you get and friends you make at a rugby club is unbelievably rewarding. I live quite far away from my family, so the rugby club has been my family for the past four years .I’ve never really been someone who looks for recognition, as I’ve always done things in the background, but it means the world to be recognised in this way and it’s amazing to see Lincoln Rugby Club recognised nationally.”
Mixed Ability champion
Nominated in the Game for All category is Mike Hawks, from Derby RFC, who started a mixed ability team Derby Bucks. His energy and drive made this team a reality despite the pandemic with the squad growing to some 25 players. It gives opportunities for people who have not played rugby before and those who want to return to the game bringing together a cross section of the club, as well as new members. Derby Bucks has become totally integrated into the whole club set up, from 1st XV to Vets and Women's teams alike.
Financially sound and raring to go
Yannick Debil, nominated in the Unsung Hero category has played a pivotal role in Prudhoe & Stocksfield RFU not only surviving the pandemic but facing the future ready for any challenge.
After updating the clubs club badge and reviewing and updating their social media channels, Yannick also took the cancelled end of season awards ceremony virtual. He arranged for a physical and wellbeing professional to lead on mental health and created a link with MIND. Designing and commissioning new club training shirts to raise money for the charity. With rugby returning, he produced a sponsorship scheme to ensure the club’s financial health and even led work to update the club’s facilities.
England Rugby’s Performance Partner Honda is proud to support and develop rugby volunteers nationwide. To discover more, please visit www.englandrugby.com/participation/volunteers/honda-volunteer-recognition-programme
