The WRU has begun a volunteer recruitment drive in conjunction with NatWest to cater for a marked increase in participation in the game.
The campaign, entitled Welsh Rugby Roots, is calling for men and women of all ages, to develop their ‘Welsh Rugby Roots’ by becoming a rugby club volunteer. The WRU will find a suitable role for everyone who puts their hands up for the cause, and provide training opportunities in order to equip them for the role.
Since establishing the Club Operations Team, the WRU has supported clubs to access numerous volunteer training opportunities as well as provide dedicated support in four main areas – funding, compliance, safeguarding and volunteering.
The WRU has trained over 2500 first aid volunteers, in conjunction with St John Cymru Wales and has actively supported over 200 volunteers to help make their club more financially sustainable through business workshops in partnership with NatWest.
Since the introduction of school-club hub officers last September, there has been a huge rise in rugby participation for boys and girls within the 43 hub schools in particular.
A key part of the school club hub strategy is to drive players to rugby clubs, helping the sustainability of clubs and the Welsh game generally and 2000 new players were registered as club players having transferred from school club hubs. However, the Welsh Rugby Union has recognised the importance of developing good quality team managers, first aiders and administrators to ensure the success of this strategy, nurture young players and retain them within the game.
[CLICK HERE TO SHOW YOUR INTEREST IN FINDING A SUITABLE CLUB ROLE FOR YOU].
WRU chairman Gareth Davies said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our game. All of us who are involved in Welsh rugby have roots in the club game, and we are asking people to go back to those roots, to develop and grow them, and there will be a warm welcome for all those who are new to Welsh club rugby to put down their own ‘Welsh rugby roots’. We need supportive team managers, first aiders and club administrators in order to allow our young players to flourish and reach their full potential, and to ‘future-proof’ Welsh club rugby. We are appealing to anyone, whether they are already involved with a club or not, to come forward and we will find a role for them.”
Sevens Sisters volunteer Rhian Edwards said, “Volunteering at Seven Sisters has opened up a whole new set of opportunities for me. I began with the junior section and have done everything from running the line to first aid and overseeing different aspects of work at the club. I’m currently the child safety officer, Youth team secretary and I am on the gate on a Saturday for the seniors. I’ve gained my Level 1 in coaching and refereeing and amongst new skills I’ve also gained a lot of patience from working with children and young adults.
“At Seven Sisters, we encourage anyone and everyone who wants to volunteer to get involved, no matter what their skills are. There are always jobs to be done and we are one big happy family. There is always food to be cooked and we are also now running a women’s youth side which is very much an integral part of the club.
“I would say to anyone to come and join us or to go along to their local club, I’m sure there would be a warm welcome for them.”
[CLICK HERE TO PLAY VIDEO OF RHIAN TALKING ABOUT HER SEVEN SISTERS INVOLVEMENT]
Leaflets and application forms are also available in NatWest branches throughout Wales.
