In our first “Volunteer Spotlight,” we’re delighted to introduce one of our many
dedicated volunteers who keep Felixstowe Rugby Club thriving. Meet Gail, an inspiring
coach and player for the Ladies “Honeybadgers” team, who has poured her passion
into bringing rugby to a new generation of young girls in our community. Gail’s journey
with Felixstowe Rugby Club began on the pitch, but her heart quickly led her to a much
deeper involvement as a coach and mentor.

From Player to Coach: Sparking a Love for Rugby
When asked what first motivated her to volunteer, Gail shared, “I wanted to be closer to
the club. My main motivation was to bring my love of rugby to the next generation of
girls within the town.” Recognising that many girls were losing interest in rugby by high
school, alongside two other volunteers Gemma and Hattie, together they embraced the
challenge to build a welcoming space for the girls. Their goal? To create an environment
where young girls can fall in love with rugby, build confidence, and feel part of a
supportive team.

Wearing Many Hats: More Than Just a Coach
In her time with Felixstowe Rugby Club, Gail has taken on a variety of roles beyond
coaching. “I have worked the bar, supported our club float at the Felixstowe carnival,
and co-coached,” she said. Additionally, as an official England Rugby Mentor, she’s
always ready to support and guide new and aspiring coaches, sharing her skills and
helping others grow within the sport.

Her favourite part of coaching, though, is seeing everything come together. “I love
seeing when it all clicks together like a puzzle,” she said. “The girls start pulling out
tricks and moves that sometimes even our adult teams haven’t done!” Watching these
young players gain confidence, make new friends, get fit and support each other on and
off the field brings her joy week after week.

Personal Rewards and Unforgettable Moments
Volunteering has impacted Gail personally, giving her a sense of purpose and pride,
even on tough days. “Sometimes, after a long week, all I want to do is sit on the sofa
with cake. But coaching motivates me, rain or shine, and makes me forget my troubles
for a bit.” She finds herself constantly inspired by the girls’ determination and
commitment to becoming better rugby players, which fills her with pride.

One of Gail’s most cherished memories was at the 2024 Youth Awards. “It was the first
time Felixstowe Rugby Club had a Youth Girls team within the club,” she recalled.
“Standing up front with my co-coaches and celebrating all of our players and teams as
one club; that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Thinking About Volunteering? Here’s What Gail Says
For anyone considering volunteering, she emphasises that every bit of help counts,
whether big or small. “It can seem overwhelming to offer support to a well-established
club.” she explained. From assisting on match days to running drills or helping with the
annual club tidy-up, there are countless ways to make a difference. She believes that
more volunteers mean less burden on everyone, making the club a better place for
players, families, and fans alike.

Why Felixstowe Rugby Club is Special
What truly makes Felixstowe Rugby Club unique is its sense of community, grounded in
the core values of Rugby: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and
Sportsmanship (TREDS). It’s a place where tradition meets progress, where second and
third-generation players warmly welcome newcomers. And she’s proud to be part of this
small, friendly community focussed club that honours its history while embracing the
future.

To Gail, the club wouldn’t be as diverse and inclusive as it is without the commitment of
volunteers. “Volunteers help us retain the next generation of rugby players and make
sure the club continues to be a welcoming place for all.”

Join the Team and Make a Difference!
Felixstowe Rugby Club’s volunteer community is looking for more people who share
their passion. Whether you’re interested in coaching, helping with events, or lending a
hand behind the scenes, your contribution is valuable and can be rewarding. As she put
it, “I’m pleased to be part of this community, but we really need more support to keep
this wonderful club running for generations to come.”

If you’re thinking about volunteering, consider this your invitation. Join us, be part of
something meaningful, and help shape the future of rugby in Felixstowe!

hellofrufc@gmail.com