June 1st 2011 sees two important landmarks; the start of National Volunteers Week and 100 days to go until the kick off of Rugby World Cup 2011.
To celebrate these landmark occasions the Rugby Football Union for Women (RFUW) will recognise the outstanding contribution that 100 volunteers have made to the women and girls game across England.
The 100 volunteers will each receive a letter from the RFUW’s Board of Directors personally thanking them for their dedication and commitment and they will also be featured on a Roll of Honour on rfu.com. A booklet will also be produced to recognise the roles carried out, and to inspire those considering a move into rugby volunteering.
The volunteers are all based in clubs and Constituent Bodies, and work within the RFUW and RFU programmes and at key events throughout the year. There are also some RFU employees on this list, as they have gone over and above their job description to ensure that the game is delivered to the highest possible standard at all times.
The impact that volunteers have on rugby in this country is outstanding, with the estimated investment of volunteers’ time totalling over £110 million each year.
Holly Hart, Volunteer and Resource Officer for the RFUW, said: “I am so pleased that we have been able to recognise the dedication and unwavering support of this group of volunteers. Without them the game would not be where it is.
“It is fantastic that we have managed to do this at a time that not only highlights their efforts but also supports Volunteers Week and draws people’s attention to the Rugby World Cup later this year. I would like to add, however, that these 100 people are only the tip of the iceberg; there are thousands of volunteers working tirelessly to deliver high quality rugby to women and girls in all parts of the country”.