Skip to content Skip to footer
Eastern Counties Rugby Union
Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Volunteering

HomeParticipationVolunteering
Close
Get Involved

Volunteers Are The Backbone of Rugby

Rugby thrives because of passionate volunteers—club officials, coordinators, event helpers, administrators, and more. Eastern Counties Rugby Union supports clubs in recruiting, retaining, and recognising volunteers who help keep the sport alive and growing across our communities.

I want to see information for...

Volunteers
Clubs
For volunteers

Why Volunteer in Rugby?

Volunteering with rugby clubs or with ECRU offers more than just match-day involvement. It's an opportunity to grow, connect, and make a real impact on your community.

What you will gain

Volunteer Benefits

Develop new skills

leadership, event planning, communication, coaching, or administration

Build qualities

self‑esteem, confidence, teamwork, and resilience

Meet new people

across age groups & backgrounds, join a vibrant community

Enhance your CV or profile

experience counts in education and employment contexts

Improve health & wellbeing

with physical, social and mental benefits

Make a lasting difference

to local rugby, grassroots sport, and your community
How You Can Get Involved

Availiable Roles

ECRU & clubs offer a range of volunteer roles, including but not limited to:

Club Volunteer Coordinator (CVC)

Chair of Playing Committee

Women & Girls Lead

Representative Rugby Manager

Events & Festival Volunteers

Diversity & Inclusion Lead

Safeguarding Officer

Fixture Secretary

Ideal for newcomers

What to Expect

No previous experience needed

in most roles

Flexible commitments

many roles are part-time or event-based

Supportive club environment

- Interest and enthusiasm are valued above all.
Become a Volunteer

Getting Started

Identify Your Interests

Choose a role that suits your skills—administrative, match-day support, coaching, events, or safeguarding.

Express Interest

Reach out with a brief introduction, your availability, and what you'd like to contribute. Speak to your club's Volunteer Coordinator or contact ECRU’s Volunteer Coordinator.

Onboarding & Support

Expect an induction and clear guidance. Clubs and ECRU provide volunteer induction checklists, training, and support during your volunteering journey.

Recognition & Development

Volunteers are valued—expect thank-you notes, mentions at matches or events, awards nominations, discount offers, and pathway opportunities to develop new skills.
Expressing Interest

Who & How to Get in Touch

If you would like to become a volunteer for the ECRU/your local club, want to ask any questions, or aren't too sure where to start - contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators and they'll help guide you through the process.

Contact Your County VC

EC Volunteer Coordinator

Dale Hoffman
Read more

Norfolk Volunteer Coordinator

Jimi Matthews
Read more

Suffolk Volunteer Coordinator

TBC
Read more

Cambridgeshire Volunteer Coordinator

Barry Feetham
Read more
Complete the contact form below

We will ensure your details are given to the right people

    For Clubs

    Recruitment, Roles, Retention & Recognition

    Finding Volunteers

    Recruitment is key for all clubs - The best and easiest way is simply to talk to people, whilst some may not know you need help, others may not put themselves forward but may respond if asked.

    How about a club open day in advance of your AGM

    - Display roles & descriptions on notice boards.- Serve teas & coffees, letting members/visitors browse & chat.- Have a few committee members who can answer questions fully.- Be open & honest, be clear on what you need & how much time it will take up.
    Resources
    Helpful Links

    The below links give you some advice and guidance on some good ways to recruit volunteers.

    RFU Volunteer Recruitment
    NCVO Recruiting Volunteers
    7 Deadly Sins - what not to do

    Presenting Clear, Enjoyable Roles

    When recruiting volunteers you need to remember that volunteering is a choice and that people volunteer for many different reasons.

    Enjoy what they do

    It shouldn't turn into a 'job'.

    Use Rugby`s core values

    Enjoyment, Teamwork & Respect
    Why?
    How Role Descriptions Help Recruit Volunteers...

    When recruiting volunteers you need to be very clear about the role they are taking on.

    The role description shouldn't be very long and shouldn't read like a JOB description, Remember - people's time is limited, even those that are retired!

    Club Resources
    Templates For
    Role Descriptions

    When recruiting volunteers you need to remember that volunteering is a choice and that people volunteer for many different reasons.

    CVC Template
    Club Chairperson Template
    Treasurer Template
    Secretary Template
    Safeguarding Officer Template
    Fixture Secretary Template

    Appreciation Keeps Volunteers

    It’s about more than recruiting: keeping volunteers motivated is key.

    ECRU helps clubs with effective retention strategies—simple gestures like “thank-you” messages, volunteer awards, and signposting volunteers to RFU or external recognition schemes.

    Volunteer Coordinator's

    Why Have a VC?

    Recruiting volunteers is crucial to running a strong and healthy rugby club, The majority of clubs wouldn't survive without volunteers and wouldn't thrive without quality volunteers.

    The key to recruiting, retaining, recognising and rewarding volunteers is to have the best possible Club Volunteer Coordinator.

    A CVC is someone who should be first point of contact for potential and current volunteers in a club, It’s a very sociable role, always around the club, pro-actively supporting, asking questions and being the eyes and ears for all volunteer matters for the club Committee.

    Don't overload your Club Volunteer Coordinator

    Ideally you want to ensure the CVC holds only that role.- It's time consuming to support, manage and recruit volunteers.

    Bring CVC onto the main committee

    We consider this role so important that we would recommend that the Club Volunteer Coordinator should sit alongside the Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary on the main Committee.
    Volunteer Coordinator's

    Start Recruiting

    Recruiting volunteers is crucial to running a strong and healthy rugby club, The majority of clubs wouldn't survive without volunteers and wouldn't thrive without quality volunteers.

    Appoint a CVC

    They’ll act as the hub for volunteer activity and liaison with ECRU.

    Identify your needs

    Use the volunteer toolkit to plan roles and recruit strategically.

    Leverage ECRU support

    Getting started is easy when we walk the path with you.
    Need help?

    Get In Touch

    Eastern Counties also offers specific support to clubs around volunteering through our Volunteer Coordinator.

    Contact Our VC

    EC Volunteer Coordinator

    Dale Hoffman
    Contact
    • He can support clubs in the writing of role descriptions and recruitment techniques.
    • He can visit clubs and support specific issues at clubs.
    Contact County VC's

    Norfolk Volunteer Coordinator

    Jimi Matthews
    Contact

    Suffolk Volunteer Coordinator

    TBC
    Contact

    Cambridgeshire Volunteer Coordinator

    Barry Feetham
    Contact
    Role Description Template

    Club Fixture Secretary

    This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

    What you can do for your club

    Organise matches and fixtures so players have regular games to enjoy.

    Be the link between your club and others in the region.

    The role

    Working with coaches, team managers, and opposition clubs, you will:

    Arrange fixtures for the season for all relevant teams.

    Keep track of cancellations, rearrangements, and changes.

    Coordinate pitch availability and referees as needed.

    Communicate clearly with players, parents, and opposition teams.

    Ideally, you’ll need to be:

    Organised and good at scheduling.

    A clear and friendly communicator.

    Able to stay calm when plans change (as they often do!).

    What you’ll get out of it:

    Gain event and logistics management experience.

    Build relationships with other clubs and coordinators.

    Help keep rugby accessible and fun for all players.

    Role Description Template

    Club Safeguarding Officer

    This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

    What you can do for your club

    Help create a safe and inclusive environment for all players, especially children and vulnerable adults.

    Act as the club’s lead on safeguarding and welfare matters.

    The role

    Working with coaches, parents, and the committee, you will:

    Ensure safeguarding policies are in place and followed.

    Be the point of contact for welfare concerns or reports.

    Support DBS checks and safeguarding training for volunteers.

    Promote awareness of safeguarding through visible presence and communication.

    Liaise with the Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding team when necessary.

    Ideally, you’ll need to be:

    Approachable, trustworthy, and a good listener.

    Knowledgeable (or willing to learn) about safeguarding procedures.

    Calm and able to deal with sensitive issues appropriately.

    What you’ll get out of it:

    Play a vital role in keeping rugby safe and inclusive.

    Learn safeguarding practices valued in many sectors.

    Make a meaningful difference to young people’s experience of rugby.

    Role Description Template

    Club Secretary

    This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

    What you can do for your club

    Be the key point of contact for club correspondence and administration.

    Keep the club running behind the scenes.

    Ensure important communications are managed efficiently.

    The role

    Working with the committee and club volunteers, you will:

    Organise and minute committee meetings and the AGM.

    Manage club correspondence and liaise with the Constituent Body and RFU.

    Maintain up-to-date records of club membership.

    Ensure key deadlines (affiliations, registrations, safeguarding, etc.) are met.

    Support the Chairperson and Treasurer with administrative tasks.

    Ideally, you’ll need to be:

    Organised and detail-oriented.

    Good at writing and managing communications.

    Friendly, approachable, and discreet when needed.

    What you’ll get out of it:

    Gain valuable administrative and communication experience.

    Play an essential role in your club’s operations.

    Develop skills useful in the workplace or other voluntary positions.

    Role Description Template

    Club Treasurer

    This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

    What you can do for your club

    Manage the club’s finances

    Keeping everything running smoothly.

    Help the club plan & budget

    For current and future development.

    Ensure transparency in all financial matters.

    The role

    Working with the committee and club volunteers, you will:

    Keep accurate financial records of the club’s income and expenditure.

    Prepare reports for the committee and members.

    Manage the club bank account and payments.

    Oversee fundraising, sponsorship, and grant applications where needed.

    Ensure affiliation and insurance fees are paid.

    Help set annual budgets for teams, events, and maintenance.

    Ideally, you’ll need to be:

    Comfortable with numbers and basic accounting.

    Trustworthy and methodical.

    Able to communicate financial information clearly to others.

    What you’ll get out of it:

    Develop budgeting and financial management skills.

    Play a crucial role in sustaining your club’s future.

    Gain experience valued by employers and voluntary organisations.

    Role Description Template

    Club Chairperson

    This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

    What you can do for your club

    Provide leadership & direction

    For the club as a whole.

    Be the public face of the club

    At events, meetings, and functions.

    Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful club culture

    The role

    Working with the committee and club volunteers, you will:

    Chair committee meetings and the AGM, ensuring everyone has a voice

    Help set the club’s goals and ensure plans are in place to meet them.

    Support other committee members in their roles.

    Act as a decision-maker in the club’s best interests, particularly on key issues.

    Represent the club at Constituent Body or RFU meetings where required.

    Lead on resolving conflicts and ensure the club operates fairly and transparently.

    Ideally, you’ll need to be:

    A good communicator & confident in leading discussions.

    Organised, approachable, and impartial.

    Passionate about rugby and the community.

    What you’ll get out of it:

    Be a central part of the club’s future success.

    Develop leadership and management skills.

    Build valuable experience for work or other voluntary positions.

    Make a real difference to rugby in your community.

    Role Description Template

    Club Volunteer Coordinator (CVC)

    This role description is for guidance – change to suit the needs of your club

    What you can do for your club

    Encourage other people to get involved in helping out

    With an enthusiastic and friendly perpective

    Be the first point of contact for new volunteers

    Introducing them around the club & ensuring they understand what they are required to do.

    Make sure everyone feels welcome and valued.

    The role

    Working with the other volunteers in your club, you will:

    Plan how many volunteers you need every year

    – remember to include special events, as well as the week-in-week-out running of the club

    Consider the best places to find new volunteers

    – remember to make sure your advertising and appointment's are as open as possible

    Understand the reasons people get involved

    - use this knowledge to attract more like-minded people.

    Ensure well-fitting roles for volunteers

    - giving people roles they enjoy will mean they are more likely to continue

    Support, encourage & thank volunteers regularly

    - recognise & reward success: nominating volunteers for club, Constituent Body, RFU or external awards & ensure volunteers get the training they need to do a great job

    Create a succession plan

    - so you always have volunteers ready and willing to step up or provide cover for key roles
    Ideally, you’ll need to be:

    Welcoming & easy to approach

    A good listener & communicator

    Confident, well-organised & happy to delegate

    Enthusiastic & motivating

    What you’ll get out of it:

    This is a very social role. You’ll provide an important service to the club and community, and for a small investment of time you’ll :

    Meet all kinds of people

    Do something distinctive & worthwhile

    Become more attractive to potential employers

    Build transferable organisational & communication skills

    Get Started

    How To Book?

    Go to Course finder (RFU)
    1. Go to the RFU Course Finder: Click the button above to visit gms.rfu.com/GMS/coursefinder.

    2. Search for a Course:

      • By Course Type: Select the ‘Coaching’ type of course.

      • By Location: Enter your town or postcode to find nearby courses.

      • By Date: Choose a date range to see courses available during that period.

    3. Select a Course: Click on a course title to view details, including description, dates, times, location, and prerequisites.​

    Next Step...

    Depending on your situation...

    1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

    2. Log In:

      • Username: Enter your email address or username.

      • Password: Enter your password.

      • Click “Log In”.

    3. Add to Basket: Click the basket icon to add the course.

    4. Checkout:

      • Review Your Basket: Ensure the correct course is listed.

      • Click “Checkout”.

    5. Payment:

      • Enter Payment Details: Provide your card information.

      • Confirm Billing Address: Ensure your address is correct.

      • Click “Pay Now”.

    6. Confirmation: You’ll receive a confirmation email with course details.

    1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

    2. Create an Account:

      • Click “Create Account”.

      • Fill in Personal Details: Name, email, date of birth, etc.

      • Set a Password: Choose a memorable password.

      • Click “Submit”.

    3. Verify Email: Check your inbox for a verification email and follow the instructions.

    4. Log In: Use your new credentials to log in.

    5. Proceed to Booking: Follow steps 3 to 6 from Scenario 1.

    1. Click “Book”: On the course page, click the “Book” button.

    2. Click “Forgot Password?”: Located below the login fields.

    3. Enter Email: Provide the email associated with your account.

    4. Check Email: You’ll receive a link to reset your password.

    5. Reset Password:

      • Click the Link: In the email.

      • Enter New Password: Choose a new password.

      • Confirm Password: Re-enter the new password.

      • Click “Submit”.

    6. Log In: Use your new password to log in.

    7. Proceed to Booking: Follow steps 3 to 6 from Scenario 1.​