The Rugby World Cup is quickly approaching us, and I’m sure fans can’t wait for the contest to begin. The enjoyment of supporting your country before they go into battle against the opposition. I’m sure laughs, tears, and questionable language will be fuelled by countless pints down at many of your local pubs.
Small history lesson
The upcoming World Cup is a rugby union tournament contested every four years between the very toughest of international teams. The first-ever Rugby World Cup was contested in 1987, it was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with sixteen nations taking part. New Zealand became the first champions defeating France 29-9.
The warriors who succeed in their battles are awarded the Webb Ellis Cup at the end of the tournament. Legend has it that Webb Ellis was the inventor of rugby. Stumbling across the game by deciding to pick up the ball during a football match. Webb Ellis probably didn’t comprehend at the time of picking up the ball, that rugby would go onto generate revenue of approximately 228million pounds. This being the figure derived from the last Rugby World Cup hosted by England in 2015.
Rugby World Cup volunteers
The Japan 2019 organising committee has launched ‘Team No Side’ the official volunteers for the Rugby World Cup. Which is made up of over 10,000 volunteers across the twelve host cities of Japan. Around 38,000 volunteers applied for the position, these volunteers aim to connect and interact with fans to create a memorable experience. The recruitment process began in 2018 with successful applicants being given complete training in preparation for the big event.
The training for Team No Side started in February and March earlier this year. Their first training session covered learning about the history of the World Cup. I’m sure volunteering in the Rugby World cup will be a memorable experience. However, the volunteers involved are not allocated pre-paid travel cards to travel between each venue, neither will they receive any discount from accommodation providers. Which is hard to digest, as this is a globally televised event.
The Rugby World Cup previously hosted by England had more than 20,000 application forms submitted, with only 6,000 of the keenest people being granted success. The successful applicants joined the group named ‘Join The Pack,’ 4,000 of the volunteers were from Rugby clubs and the remaining 2,000 were from outside of clubs. Committee leader Debbie Jevans felt this was just the right balance of passionate rugby enthusiasts.
Rugby clubs near you
Many volunteers that are a part of their local clubs volunteer because they want to give something back. The volunteers may be ex-players themselves or have younger children who are passionate about the sport. Most clubs across the UK are very busy, grass pitches are the UK’s most popular space of physical exercise so it’s not surprising there is a demand for volunteers.
Throughout an average week, rugby clubs can receive a wide spectrum of players wanting to take part in various training sessions, juniors, men’s, women’s and touch. As you could imagine that’s a lot of muddy people to manage at one time. That’s during the weekdays alone, without considering match days on weekends, which could include tournaments and away games. Without volunteers, these opportunities for people to stay active and enjoy the sport would just not be possible. Rain or shine local coaches are there on the sideline giving constructive guidance or perhaps just hailing light-hearted abuse in your direction. But it’s all good fun!
If you think rugby is something you would like to be apart of then you should consider contacting your local clubs secretary. They will then be able to inform you what volunteering opportunities they have available, and the training you may need in order to start volunteering.
My dad was a volunteer coach. Without that type of involvement things just don’t happen and aren’t quite as good as they could be without volunteers. This is especially true in light of the Rugby World Cup.
Jonny Wilkinson
A volunteering inspiration
Jeremy Wares, 36 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Following his diagnosis, Jeremy was understandably shaken by the news. He had always wanted to coach his son in rugby but he wasn’t sure of the near future of his health at the time of his diagnoses.
In the previous 15years, Jeremy had made a living for himself being a chef in Paris. Catering in very well established restaurants which were fit for President Mitterrand. Jeremy had then gone on to establish his own restaurants in Scotland, 63 Tay Street and The Anglers Inn.
Despite the news, Jeremy was able to use his previous skillset of being a Caterer to organise events for Perthshire Rugby Club. These events have included the Perthshire Beer Festival which attracts around 20,000 people each year. Jeremy remains very hands-on with these events cooking a lot of the food himself. Alongside busy event planning, Jeremy has also been able to coach his son in the rugby team, which he was doubtful about at the start.
Inlight of his illness Jeremy felt he had to give something back and he’s done a fantastic job. Jeremy says “the secret is to remain active and keep going” only when he stops for too long does his condition seem to become more visible. Jeremy’s efforts were rewarded as Scottish volunteer of the season.
Grow your organisation with TeamKinetic
TeamKinetic invites all organisations who feel they would be able to benefit from our software to get in touch. Remember we don’t limit the number of volunteers or the number of opportunities you can have available. We want your organisation and the communities you work with to grow and prosper.
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