Message from Danny Carlin (Age Grade Chair)

Exciting Announcement A New Chapter in My Rugby Journey!

I am thrilled to share that I’ve achieved my highest rugby volunteering accomplishment to date.

I am now the Age Grade Chairperson for Staffordshire Rugby Union. I’ll be overseeing all Mini and Junior Rugby from U7s to Colts, and it’s truly a massive honour and privilege.

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. A special shoutout to everyone at Barton under Needwood RUFC your encouragement and support  has been invaluable. I’d also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Glyn Bennett, who introduced me to the game at 21 and provided me with countless opportunities to thrive.

I am especially grateful to Mark Wilson-Dunn, Dick Titley,  Nick George, Bev George, Jonathan Leason, Martin Cotterill, Becky Davies, Sarah Rowe, Daniel and Vic Smith, John McDermott, Danielle Bayley and Carolyn Diane who have personally and professionally mentored me as well as being great friends, their support throughout this journey and your belief in me has made all the difference thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’d also like to thank The Burton Rugby Football Club Ltd. for their support to me in the last year and a half rugby is truly a great game and a game for everyone to be sort of playing or not.

Robin Websdale has been a massive part of this journey, since I’ve been the Mini and Youth Chair he had been the font of all knowledge for me being at the end of the phone at every opportunity at any time of the day to have had this support, mentoring and friendship to say I’m provided is an understatement. Thanks to everyone.

Reflecting on my path, I recognise the adversity that’s came not been easy and at times I haven’t helped myself however the resilience I’ve built is amazing, from starting with pretty much nothing career Dallaglio RugbyWorks fortunate to have a solid support system that has backed me at every turn. The past few years have been a roller coaster as I transitioned from various volunteering roles at the club level to Staffordshire RFU and even into my professional career. I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tackled every barrier and obstacle head on.

Earlier this year, I was appointed as a lead coach for Dallaglio RugbyWorks allowing me to combine my rugby knowledge and my experience in education but continuing to push  myself out my comfort zone  I’ve embraced this opportunity to mentor and inspire young people in ways that raises their aspirations and builds resilience using a rugby programme is fantastic I adore my this role.

Though I’ve never played the game, my passion and enthusiasm for rugby have always driven me to give 100% in everything I do. Life may be bumpy at times, but I’m determined to keep moving forward with my feet firmly on the ground and an open heart.

As I take on this role within Staffordshire Rugby Union as age grade chairperson overseeing mini junior rugby in Staffordshire and continue my  I can honestly say I’ve never been prouder of how far I’ve come. If someone had told me in 2010 that I’d be in this position in 2024, I would have laughed! But with perseverance, consistency, and a commitment to my values, I’ve pushed through the challenges.

I’m passionate about getting children and young people involved in rugby and helping them thrive using the core values Teamwork Respect Enjoyment Discipline Sportsmanship, I also intend to promote  Raising  aspirations,  developing  physical and mental wellbeing and having that future focus.

Here’s to new beginnings and continuing this incredible journey!

Danny