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VOLUNTEER PROFILE: ROSS FERGUSON, MALONE RFC

In our Volunteer Focus series, we will be profiling some of the outstanding rugby volunteers and highlighting the tremendous work carried out by them.

In this feature we will focus on Ross Ferguson, Head of Women’s Rugby at Malone RFC. Ross is a long-standing member of Malone RFC, having played with the club since 1991 before taking up a coaching role in 2014. As Ross comments, getting involved in coaching was a very natural progression for him: “After I stopped playing I missed being involved so I started by becoming a fitness development volunteer with Ulster Rugby and this led to me helping out with our Under 18 girls. At first I was quite apprehensive but after I met the squad, I was surprised not only by their enthusiasm but also their commitment to the game, so I was delighted to get involved.” Ross currently volunteers three days a week at the club where he dedicates his time to the U18 Girls, Senior Ladies and Girls Minis. During the week he will meet with his fellow coaches to review their games, plan sessions and discuss the development needs of their players and teams. He also keeps regular contact with the youth players and minis parents so they are aware of what is planned and to give them the assurance that their children are being looked after in a safe and supportive environment. Ross trains the Malone U18s girls and adults on a Wednesday evening, with games taking place most Sunday’s. Saturday mornings are generally reserved for mini rugby, with young girls from Primary 1 to Year 8 taking part, having fun while learning the fundamental skills of rugby. While there may have been an initial degree of apprehension, Ross admits that he is now well and truly hooked on the thrill that comes from coaching and seeing the development of an individual or group of players: “It is hard not to get caught up in the buzz. It’s extremely satisfying watching something we’ve worked hard at in training actually come to fruition in a game.” Ross is also keen to pay tribute to the input of others in Malone for the work that has been done

on and off the field in recent times: “Malone is a very progressive club and we have invested a lot in our facilities over the last few seasons with a new gym, new pitches and floodlights, as well as an outdoor gym with four all-weather running tracks. They have fully embraced women’s rugby and offer fantastic support to our Senior, Youth and Minis. For those with little or no coaching experience Malone organise a Stage 1 coaching course so you can learn how to coach the fundamental skills of rugby to kids. The social side of Malone is also a huge plus, a lot of former players are now bringing their own sons and daughters to play mini rugby or watch the 1st XV on a Saturday. It is very much a family club where everyone is welcome.” If you would like to get involved in volunteering at your local club please contact Kerry Spence, Ulster Rugby Volunteer and Policy Development Officer on volunteer@ulsterrugby.com

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Ross is pictured along with the club’s U18 girls team.

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