Ulster Rugby v Glasgow

Since 2013, Julie Adams has been volunteering with Ulster Rugby giving up her time each match night to manage the delivery of OUR Club, the exclusive supporters club for Season Ticket Holders aged 16 and under. ULSTER RUGBY VOLUNTEER PROFILE: JULIE ADAMS

We caught up with Julie to find out what makes volunteering at Ulster Rugby so special. What does your volunteering involve? Being in OUR Quarter on match nights, engaging with Junior Season Ticket holders, putting tattoos on their faces/hands, getting them to enter competitions each week. Before a match, we would typically have a visit to OUR Quarter from a player, so I ensure the kids get autographs and photos. Fifteen minutes before kick-off, I meet the children who are participating in Guard of Honour and line them up on the pitch prior to the players coming out. What inspired you to get involved? I love rugby and have always been a supporter of Ulster Rugby. I don’t know many of the rules, but you don’t need a rugby background to volunteer. I would have attended most matches so when I saw they were looking for volunteers, I saw it as an opportunity to contribute to a sport and team I loved so just thought I would apply. I enjoyed it so much that I registered with Volunteer Now, which has led me to other volunteering opportunities.

For example, I volunteered with the IRFU at the Women’s 7s in 2016, the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2017 and at the Irish Open in 2017. What skills or qualities are required for your volunteering role? Good communication and an outgoing personality are good skills for OUR Club. I have built good relationships with a lot of the parents, which has been key. Being able to chat to the kids and make them feel welcome is really important for my role. Why would you encourage others to get involved? It’s a fantastic opportunity to give back. I enjoy attending the matches so being able to help at them, whilst doing something so enjoyable is very rewarding. You learn different skills that you may not get an opportunity to learn through a job and you get to meet people from all walks of life. If you would like to learn more about the various volunteering opportunities available near you, please visit our Volunteering webpage or email volunteer@ulsterrugby.com.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE: JULIE ADAMS

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