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