I am a sport enthusiast with a huge interest in rugby. I have been involved in coaching since I left school in 2015. I began a Young Coach Programme, where I volunteered over 150 hours in that year, gathering experience coaching a variety of different sports.

In 2017 I was offered a place with Scottish Rugby. I became an Assistant Development Officer, my job being to visit local schools and deliver sessions, run tournaments and help deliver extra sessions for anyone wanting to do that little bit extra on improving their rugby skills.

I currently play for Jedforest RFC, who are in the BT National 1 League, but I look to go further than club rugby. I have played rugby for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching the sport and feeling inspired every time I saw Scotland play.

Travelling has always appealed to me, and this opportunity to both travel and coach in rural areas teaching rugby and its values, is something I can't miss. I want to give the children the chance to experience rugby the same way I do. I hope to teach them the values that rugby has to offer and inspire them to continue playing.

Event details

Rugby in Africa 2019

I have been offered a place on an expedition to Africa in 2019, visiting 50 schools and centres in 9 different countries. I will be helping lead a team called 'The Pride', alongside other volunteers like myself. We plan to organise and deliver sessions, and help to organise tournaments at the end of each week to give the children a chance to compete against each other and achieve something from their hard work.

I will be helping with self-catering, storage and kit management, and look to pass on my knowledge to other coaches to ensure the children have the best experience, now and in the future.

I will be hosting fundraising events throughout the year, as well as seeking sponsorship from local schools and businesses.

The objectives of the Bhubesi Pride are;

★ UNITING COMMUNITIES THROUGH RUGBY

★ EMPOWERING STAFF & YOUNG LEADERS

★ INSPIRING LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT

This expedition is incredibly important to me and i hope to raise enough to cover the volunteer fees, as its my aspiration to pass on the key knowledge and values that the game has taught me. I hope to give back what rugby has given to me and leave behind a legacy to inspire future generations.