The importance of giving back
It’s no secret that club rugby cannot run without its volunteers - people who take the time out of their lives to make sure jerseys and socks are available, grounds are ready to be played on, after match food served and a myriad of other unseen tasks to keep the game being played each Saturday.
Michelle Tocker, Woodend RFC Junior Club Captain, is one of those vital volunteers. Hailing from Ireland, Michelle has always been an avid supporter of rugby and upon moving to Christchurch in 2007, she was all too keen to get to her very first Crusaders match. It was that game that made Michelle realise she wanted to do more than attend games, but to get her hands dirty and be involved with building club rugby. Having volunteered for charities and other events prior, Michelle says “You get a good sense of enjoyment from [volunteering]... It's very fulfilling to volunteer and give your time.”
When her daughter and son began playing rugby for Woodend, Michelle was quick to put her hand up to volunteer as she “just wanted to give back and help. Plus, the kids love having mum on the sideline and helping out.”
Alongside her role as Junior Club Captain at Woodend, Michelle was approached last year to by North Canterbury Rugby Sub Union to assist with feedback on
Junior Rugby. In one short year, Michelle now wears many hats at NCRSU. Acting as the senior squad’s representative to the board, Michelle has been pivotal in helping with the fundraising to get the team to Japan, whilst still being the board’s Junior Advisory Board (JAB) delegate.
Michelle says one of the reasons she took on extra NCRSU responsibilities is because of the environment the North Canterbury seniors created last season. “It was awesome to witness. And I was like, what can I do to make this trip to Japan happen?” Michelle will be heading to Japan with the team in September as their ‘camp leader.’
Whilst the club rugby games are wrapping up this weekend in North Canterbury with U12’s and U13’s playing their final matches, Michelle says the volunteers will still be working behind the scenes, looking straight into recruitment, finding coaches and establishing how grades will work for the following year. Not put off from the workload, Michelle says “I really do believe that rugby gives you a sense of belonging” and encourages others to volunteer their time towards their own clubs, “even if it’s just a couple of hours, it really helps.”
Written by Hannah Yates