Rugby World Cup 2015 Volunteer: The Pack Training

Work Force Kick Off

Date: Saturday 16th May, 2015

Location: Stadium MK

Last Saturday was the first of many training sessions for what Rugby World Cup 2015 are calling.... THE PACK!  Off we all went to Stadium MK, via many many roundabouts. 6,000 volunteers have been recruited for the games; I'm very lucky to be one of those! After the application process, it was exciting to be starting the journey to RWC 2015 arriving in England & Cardiff! On entry to the ground everyone received a #thepack 16th May Kick Off t-shirt, and a goodie bag! I was pretty excited by the pen at first being a bit of a stationary geek! It wasn't until after lunch I really had a look to see what else was hidden in there. I love the retro touch of issuing a special The Pack Sticker Book! Rumour has it, at each training session we will receive another pack to complete the book, with no swapping required. Woop!

Whilst finding my seat in the stadium it was nice to see some of the guys I'd worked with as a Try Out Vip issuing the goodie bags and helping people find their seats. Once seated, the morning kicked off with Laurence Dallaglio introducing us to Stadium MK and giving us a flavour of what was to come. First off we were to be snapped by the in stadium drone cam, this is where the bottle of Coca-Cola came in, as we were asked to hold these in the air - maybe we'll feature on the Coca-Cola adverts come games time, who knows!

After posing for photos, next it was over to England Rugby's Official Singer, Laura Wright, who took us through a physical and vocal warm up. After a few moves and a bit of 'lalala' we found ourselves learning the words to Jerusalem....which was amazing to sing along to as a group later in the afternoon *goose-pimple moment*.

Next up John Inverdale came on stage as Master of Ceremonies and lead out an inspirational speech about what the day was all about. John then introduced Jason Leonard which brought about a good standing ovation from the crowd for the World Cup Winner. There was a really excitement and appreciation across the crowd. This excitement was further amplified when Shane Williams, Maggie Alphionsi and Serge Betsen took to the stage alongside Will Greenwood. Here they answered some of the questions which The Pack has posted earlier in the morning. Sadly Price Harry couldn't be with us on Saturday as he's currently touring New Zealand but it was great to see him on the screen with his video recorded message!

During the break in proceedings it was time to go and collect our 'The Pack Lunch' and explore the exhibition space.

There was a chance to 'Kick to Win' tickets to the Opening Ceremony alongside Land Rover stalls showing what the transport team drivers will be zooming around in.

 

Whilst wandering around the exhibition space it was nice to bump into some old familiar faces, whilst also meeting lots of new volunteers! There was also the odd celebrity (man-type rugby players) hanging around for photos.

After chatting with friends (and new friends!) I made my way to the St. James Park area of the exhibition where I found a familiar face from the RWC Staff who ran the VIP training session back in Leeds. The stalls were a really good idea, they gave people from the venue a chance to mingle and ask any questions they had regarding the specifics of what they'd be doing and where. I was curious to know exactly how many people made up the 'Sports Presentation: Field of Play' team given the 3 empty seats beside me in the stadium - rumour has it, there's only 4 of us and it's a VERY exciting role - this just added to my whole excitement about the day. At the stall I chatted to a couple of first time volunteers who were travelling to volunteer in Newcastle from Cumbria and Germany! It was amazing to hear the dedication of the guy from Germany travelling across just for the Kick Off event!

The afternoon session began with more signing and the introduction to 'The Paka'...

"It's 2015 and it's rugby time

There's 13 venues to have a good time

This World Cup's going to be the best

From the grounds in the north, south, east and west.

You won't forget us we're called the pack

Because of us you'll wanna come back

The rugby world will all be here

We're the pack we'll make you cheer.

Rugby 

World Cup

2015

The Pack"

Remember the *step*clap*step*clap*

The conclusion of the afternoon was the big uniform reveal! From what we could tell (and rumours!) it consists of trainers, sock, trousers, rugby top, polo top, 'proper' jacket, the yellow cap and a back-pack. I can't say I fell in love with it instantly like I did my Purple London 2012 coat, or the distinctive Glasgow 2014 jacket, but lets wait and see! Time will tell when I get my hands on it at the 'Home Turf' training sessions. Apparently it's made by Musto, so I've no doubt it will be able to keep us warm and dry up north. Chances are I won't actually wear the majority of it, as from what I gather, most of my role will be carried out indoors!

Next on my Rugby World Cup adventure is training for my role as a Training Operations Programme (TOP) following on from my time on the Volunteer Interview Programme (VIP). That's just before my trip to Baku 2015! It's going to be one awesome summer!

Inaugural Tour de Yorkshire: Tour Maker!

Date: Saturday 2nd May 2015
Role: Deputy-Supervisor Sector F2 aka. York Finish line!

After volunteering last year at Le Grand Départ I couldn't resist applying to be a Tour Maker once again!

At 4am my phone alarm buzzed. It was time to get up! A nice early morning drive from Sheffield to York to kick start my day. We arrive at York Racecourse at 6:25am, perfect timing for Supervisor Check-In at 6:30am! After half an hour to catch my breath it was Supervisor Briefing time!

After Supervisor briefing, it was time to try and gather up the rest of Team F2 and break the ice between the team! It was amazing how much the excitement grew and grew throughout the morning, as we waited for the overall briefing and departure off onto the route!

We were lucky to be within walking distance of our location so more chatter and getting to know one another happened on the short walk up to the finish line. On route we sussed out where our nearest Porter-Loo's (oh the joy!) and crossing points were. On arrival at the furthest point on the route - aka. the finish line! - we stopped to take some photos to get those out of the way before we began our Tour Maker Roles!

Here's the wonderful Team F2 at the beginning of the day!

The day passed without any issues, and it was good to see such as amazing turn out for the Women's Race too! I was so lucky to be in the location I was, we got to see 4 passes of the Women's Race followed by 3 passes of the mens - last one being the finish of the mens race!

Throughout the day it was really inspiring to see so many spectators on their bikes! I've been contemplating giving road cycling a go since I volunteered on the Le Grand Départ, but this weekend really did cement it in my mind - I'm doing to give it a serious go!

The end of the day finished with the team forming a bit of a fence to prevent cyclists heading into the finishing area. This wasn't because we were spoil sports, this was for the health and safety of the cyclists and the work force taking down the finishing line to move onto Stage 3! 

Just as we were about to retire back to the racecourse, we were delighted to see Gary Verity and Christian Prudhomme walking their way back down the route. The perfect end to the day was a cheeky team photo with the pair of them and a chat about the day. Let's not mention the fact I wasn't exactly sure who one of these guys was when speaking to him, but I know now OK :-P

What an awesome day.... even if it took me a drive back to the North East, Mam's cooking and a hot bath to finally defrost!

Well done Yorkshire. Well Done Tour Makers..... Bring on Tour de Yorkshire 2016!!!

Baku 2015: European Games - Field of Play: Diving!

Friday 24th April 2015

Back in October 2014 I submitted an application to volunteer at the First European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan! I'd heard nothing since my application - my invite to interview went astray into my spam folder - so I was surprised to see this email land in my inbox this week, alongside my RWC2015 news:

"Dear Aquatics Volunteers,  

Thank you for applying to volunteer in the sport of Aquatics at the Baku 2015 European Games. Aquatics is made up of four disciplines; Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Swimming and Water Polo the dates for each sport are listed below:

Synchronised Swimming:                             9^th – 16^th June

Water Polo:                                        9^th  – 21^st June

Diving:                                                  15^th – 21^st June

Swimming:                                          19^th – 27^th June

We are delighted to offer you a volunteer position for the European Games."

After a few emails back and forth today and a quick Skype chat, I received confirmation that I've been accepted to volunteer at Baku 2015! 

Best part is that for once a major event won't cost me a fortune as Baku 2015 are covering my expenses!! :-)

I've submitted my availability between the 13th - 22nd June so that I can volunteer at the diving competition as a Field of Play Assistant. I've been allocated the same role that I'll be doing for the Rugby World Cup 2015 - different sport, obviously. This isn't the first time I've volunteered with diving, after my experience with USA Diving back in 2012 it will be good to be back beside the pool!

Watch this space and I'll keep you up dated on my adventure.... Not long to go!

Thursday 28th May 2015
Today is the day. My pre-arrival visa arrived in Sheffield! It's sat on my desk here, right now, alongside the useful information on Baku and my Baku wrist band! Last week I received my plane tickets alongside my shift plan. After the disappointment of Sochi 2014, I can finally get excited! All I await now is details of my accommodation. 

Friday 5th June 2015

I've now my accommodation through - a nice 4* hotel with 4* TripAdvisor Reviews. I'll be in a shared room (mystery as to who my buddy is!) with air-conditioning. It's bed and breakfast with a sauna and gym also available - only slight improvement on my Glasgow 2014 tent :-) It's all getting pretty exciting - all that's left to do now is await my departure date and pack my bag!

Oh yeah - check out the weather comparison! 

Also, I've volunteered to be Team Leader for a few shifts! Can't wait to try my volunteer coordinating skills out in another country! Fingers crossed the radio calls are in English ;-)

**Note: As with previous games, I will NOT be blogging a day by day account whilst at the games!!**

The Camping Clyde-sider - Video Blogs!

Back in January I did something very brave. I booked a camp site. Not just for one night....but for the entire duration of my time at Glasgow 2014. 23rd July to 4th August - minimum. A whole 12 nights under canvas!

Testing out the tent in my parents back garden..... It went up, with a bit of persuasion!

Car loaded up. Destination: Glasgow!

After the first morning.....

On route to shift number 1...

Post-Radio interview, more tents and a new addition to the tent....

The day it rained....

The morning after the rain..... Cooking with Creme Eggs

The one and only time I cooked...

Bringing back the blue sky and sea of tents... confusing uni with Glasgow 2014 = tent fever!

Final blog... 2 weeks in a tent = this!

Before booking my camping I spent quite a lot of time worrying about communal showers. This was the only thing that put me off camping. However, I decided I should just 'man up' and get on with it!

Communal showers went from my worst enemy to being one of things I liked most about camping.

Apart from the times they 'broke', remembering back to the time I got up at 11pm after a late shift to find a sign saying they were out of order until 2pm'ish, 2pm being the time I needed to be on shift! I really enjoyed the social aspect of communal showers. It's not every day you spend the first 30mins of your morning catching up with people and sharing your excitements for the day ahead! It felt weird for the first few days being back and showering alone.... Communal showers win! I even took a cheeky selfie to mark the victory!

Rugby World Cup 2015: Volunteer Experience

Volunteer Interview Programme (VIP)

Newcastle

Back in March/April 2014 I submitted an application to join the Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC2015) Volunteer Interview Programme (VIP) and was delighted to be accepted as a volunteer! I have previous experience with London 2012 where I was a Selection Event Volunteer (SEV) doing the same role, interviewing Games Maker Candidates, so was very excited to get involved!

Sadly I couldn't make the training evening in Newcastle so off I went to Leeds Beckett University with a few friend faces from the Sheffield Volunteering Gang. Training was really good, and got us all up to speed with the role we'd be carrying out. 

30 minutes per interview, 20 minutes with candidates and 10 minutes to mark and summarise - back to back interviews - it was going to be a tighter turn around compared to London 2012. However, leaving training I felt confident to get going just a few days later when I went back home to Gateshead ready for my first shift!

The Newcastle Try Out's were held at Newcastle Race Course and it was great to see the RWC2015 Land Rover parked outside, with a cheeky sign directing us hopefully volunteers in the right direction!

My first shift was Friday 3rd October, which also coincided with media day... featuring Jonny Wilkinson and the Webb Ellis Cup! 

My day started with a quick tour of the Try Out Experience then it was time to get kitted out with my VIP polo and get armed with my pen! Next up Jonny arrived with the first wave of volunteers into the Try Out exhibition area! There was a real buzz around the venue making it an even more exciting first shift.

Shifts were a mix of carrying out interviews and mingling in the exhibition area with the applicants. The exhibition area was great fun, there was the opportunity to get into a scrum, test your passing and leave a message of what rugby means to you. After the exhibition area was a 'setting the scene' video, giving everyone goose bumps about RWC2015 coming to England and Cardiff. It was a great build up to the interview!

The big story to hit the press from the Newcastle Try Out's was the fact the Jonny 'dropped' the Webb Ellis Cup. In fairness I think he really only dropped the lid, but check out my facial expressions before and after the drop! haha.

My second and final shift in Newcastle was the next day, which also happened to be my 26th Birthday! I couldn't think of a better way to spend my birthday! As it was also the final day of Try Outs in Newcastle so the Try Out team set up a little thank  you come birthday party.... with cake! Check out the party hat and poppers whilst I collected my certificate.

Here's the ball shot of just some of the lovely volunteers I met in Newcastle! It was great to be back up north doing what I love so much.... next up.... LEEDS!

Leeds

Since I just can't get enough of volunteering I offered to do a shift at Leeds Beckett University, the next stop for the Try Out Team! Arriving in Leeds you couldn't miss the venue thanks to the branded Land Rover parked out the front. It turns out the 16th October was media day in Leeds, so yet again there was an amazing buzz around the venue as Jason Robinson OBE was visiting! Although  I only caught a quick glimpse of Jason as I was interviewing during the majority of the time he was there, so sadly no photos to show like Jonny above!

During the day I had the chance to have a read through some of the "What rugby means to me" cards. I couldn't help but smile at some of the responses! There was even a song written on one of the cards! Again, the Webb Ellis Cup made a visit to the venue and this time I got the chance to take a non-blurry photo...Hurray! 

For anyone who attended Leeds Try Out's I have a to take a moment to brag. After a little bit of coaching from a fellow northerner, I finally managed to get a door shot into the Try Out goal! Having never played rugby beyond the old primary school PE lesson I thought this was an excellent achievement!

Sheffield

The final leg of my interviewing was a special trip to Sheffield Hallam University. This was to interview some of their students for the Media Roles as part of their degree programmes. As this was a bit of a different stop off for the Try Out Team, there was no exhibition area or video session prior to the candidates interviews. It was a brilliant day with some of the VIP's I'd met in Leeds and Newcastle.

Volunteering with the Try Out Team was such as brilliant experience! From the very beginning as volunteers we fully felt part of the bigger picture, with a good bit of banter and humour between the gang. It was brilliant to volunteer alongside some old faces and meet many new people. I'd love to be able to share of the experiences I heard whilst interviewing (sadly I can't!) but what I can say is there were many many inspiring people wanting to do their part of make RWC2015 the best event ever! Being part of the VIP was a brilliant warm up to the RWC, even if I am unsuccessful in my application to join The Pack, it was awesome to have played my part in the recruitment.

Just when I thought all the excitement of the VIP experience had died down, this little surprise arrived on my door mat! Such as nice touch form the team - my very own RWC2015 VIP Pin Badge!

My journey to join The Pack

My Interview

I had my interview in one of the breaks up at Newcastle. I was interviewed for a role in the Transport Team, however I said I'd be happy to be part of whatever team the guys thought I'd be most helpful and suited to. I'd like to think my interview went really well. As VIP's we were only asked the final couple of questions on 'Team Leader' preferences and 'Role Suitability' as the other questions had formed part of our application to be a VIP. 

My Offer

January 2015 - the month RWC2015 Roles would start to be allocated and the wait would begin! Looking on Facebook I could see people celebrating receiving their offers as we moved to the end of January. Luckily the wait wasn't too long, and on Friday 30th January this email dropped in my inbox...

Hurray!!!!! Hurray!!! I'd been offered a role!! But... what was even more exciting was that I was no longer part of the transport team.... I was going to be part of the Field of Play Team up in Newcastle!! My next thought was 'is field of play what I think it is?'. When I volunteered at Glasgow 2014 as a member of the Athlete Services team we worked alongside the Field of Play team who looked after the court side and ball patrol girls. Was this the role I had for RWC2015? I couldn't believe it, but then this arrived in my inbox...

"Sports Presentation Field of Play Assistants will work in a floor management capacity, supporting the operational production team in the match venue tunnel and around the perimeter of the pitch.

You will work closely with the Floor Manager to oversee the movement of all Sports Presentation talent, ensuring they are in the right place at the right time. This includes entertainment, choirs, military bands, presenters and pundits.

You will also play an integral role in the delivery of a team’s entrance and protocol, ensuring  flag bearers, mascots and ball carriers are in the correct order inside the match venue tunnel on time prior to being called onto the field of play.

You will have privileged back-of-house access and will play a key role in the successful delivery of the Sports Presentation Programme across the Tournament."

My excitement went through the roof! I couldn't believe I'd been offered such a privileged role. It's fair to say, I'm counting down the day to training and the first game up at St. James' Park...the day before my 27th Birthday, exactly a year after my interview!

Joining the Training Operations Programme

Monday 20th April 2015
Following my experience on the Volunteer Interview Programme, I applied for a volunteer role on the Training Operations Programme. These are the volunteers who support the staff members when it comes to the 'Talking Tactic's' role specific training carried out across the country for members of The Pack. Early this week I found out my application had been successful - so watch out Pack Members in Newcastle.... I'm coming to help train you! :-)

Tour de France Le Grand Départ 2014: Tour of Yorkshire!

Date: 6th July 2014

Location: Sheffield

Mission: Le Grand Départ 2014

Role: Supervisor, Sector 20

One never forgets how to ride a bike :-)

13th February 2014 - Applied for a role with the Tour of Yorkshire!

Today I applied for one of the most exciting events to come to my university city of Sheffield - Le Tour de Yorkshire!!

With the excitement surrounding the events and my recently purchased road bike, I was more than definitely inspired to apply!

The application form its self was relatively straight forward, once I'd dug my driving license out to find the number for the ID section! The amount of times I need this for volunteer application forms, I should probably save it in my mobile or something!

With my previous experience of coordinating/supervising volunteers I applied to be considered for a supervisor role. When it came to actual role on the day, I'd pretty much do anything, anywhere to be involved!

Application submitted, now time to wait...

28th February 2014 - Interview Time!

I'd read on the website that anyone applying for a supervisor role would be asked to complete an online interview, or should I say virtual online interview! Having completed a Skype interview for Sochi 2014 I wasn't too nervous about talking into my computer. The nerves came from the fact there wasn't going to be a person on the other side of the screen so to speak!

So, I woke up early this morning, put on a smart top (jogging bottoms on the bottom half!) and loaded the software. Personally, I thought it was good way of doing interviews, it allowed me to complete it when I wanted without having to fork out travel expenses to and from the interview, along with needing time off uni. Perfect!

The interview was made up of 4 (or was it 5?) question, nothing unexpected. The interview seemed to be there to check I had the skills and experience to supervise/coordinator a team of volunteers. Fingers crossed I meet their criteria!

21st March 2014 - Congratulations!

Ahhhh the excitement! This email has just landed in my inbox!

"Congratulations Nicola

You have been selected to be a Tour Maker. This is the next step on your way to making the UK stages of the Tour de France 2014 an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. We are really excited to have you on board."

I'm going to be volunteering as a Tour Maker!! WOOOOOOOPPPP!!!!!

However..... I still don't know where I'll be or what I'll be doing! Eeekkk!!
I've offered to volunteer at any of the 3 stages so finding out where I am should be interesting :-)

[update: I got a real world job which means there's no way I could go to London on the 7th, therefore I've had to change me available to Stages 1 or 2, hope that doesn't affect my offer!]

16th April 2014 - Orientation booking opens!

Now the excitement is really starting. Today I received an invite to book my orientation training. Apparently at orientation I'll find out "what being a Tour Maker will involve, and see some very special guests."

Living in Sheffield I chose the Leeds orientation training, which just happens to be the day after my Glasgow 2014 Role Specific Training so it looks like I'll be flying up and down the country that weekend - I just can't get enough!

9th May 2014 - Stage and Sector Confirmation!

Today the excitement really really got going as I received an email detailing the stage and sector I'd be allocated!

I was so excited to find out that I'd be allocated Stage 2, Sector 20. Sector 20 is the final sector of Stage 2 in Sheffield! Being a regular volunteer around this area I was so so excited, nothing can beat me down.

Now just to wait for orientation to find out more about the event! :-D

25th May 2014 - Orientation Training!

This morning was the first in the series of Tour Maker Training! Off I went to Leeds, after returning to Sheffield from my trip up to Glasgow only this morning! It made for one very sleepy Tour Maker!

The adventure started with a very busy train to Leeds. Apparently the train company had put one less carriage on than usual, but never mind, 40 minutes later I arrived in Leeds ready to follow my map to the arena.

It would be wrong to write this post without mentioning one thing. That one thing being the rain! It poured and poured down, leaving those of us who had arrived early for the doors opening DRENCHED! However, it's fair to say that everyone I spoke to in the queue was very positive and excited for the event, so no Tour Makers spirits were dampened.... unless our feet...!!

Once in it was really busy, apparently there was stands and the opportunity to get our photos taken with the trophy, but because of the crowds this totally passed me by and I carried out straight into the seating expecting it to start soon.

After an hours wait the show began! As per usual with 'orientation trainings' no 'real' training occurs, that's saved for Role Specific training. It's all about motivating the volunteers and getting the buzz going about the event!

It was amazing to see the venue so busy, with loads of Tour Makers venturing out and braving the rain. Now doubt many Tour Makers will have travelled a lot further than myself - Well done to those!!

The 'show' itself was hosted by Rob Bonnet a BBC Sports Journalist and featured the following 'special guests':

• Gary Verity - Chief Exec of Welcome to Yorkshire! He went out of his way to confirm that the Yorkshire folk are more than welcomed to call people love and pet! 
• Brian Robinson - The first Briton to finish the Tour de France and the first to win a Tour Stage!
•  Jenny Brierley - A Games Maker with a volunteering addiction who spoke about her times as a Games Maker at London 2012 and how that inspired her future.
• Nicky Roche - Chief Exec of TdF Hub 2014!
• Nicola Adams, MBE - I really don't think I need to explain who she is! She was awesome!
• James Tibbetts - Events Operations Director at TdF Hub 2014
• Bob Brayshaw - Safety and Security Director at TdF Hub 2014
• Kate Fox - Poet
• Toby Cuthbertson 
• Alistair Griffin - Singer of the offical Tour of Yorkshire track 'On the Road'

Along side this excitement there was also a cheeky video with the star of Educating Yorkshire showing off a teaser of the lovely ASDA green Tour Maker Uniform!

I LOVE the fact the back says "TOUR MAKER.... Happy to Help :-)" Although it is ASDA's tag line, I think it's a brilliant representation of what volunteers are there to do.

Once the event was over, I took the scenic route back into the train station hoping to pick up a Tour of Yorkshire Pencil (I admit, I'm a geek, I collect pencils from different places!) but sadly the shop was very VERY busy... so much so there was a queue to get in!

All was not lost though! After a bit more wandering through the shopping centre I managed to find the count down clock. I literally spent a good 10 minutes looking at it! It's a very interesting piece of engineering!

Next up is Role Specific Training where I'll get to find out more about what my role involves and get to collect my uniform! Eeeekk!!! Not long to go now! :-)

6th June 2014 - On route or off route....!?!?

Having booked Role Specific Training early this month, the wait to find out whether I'd be allocated an on route or off route role had begun. With every event I volunteer at it's the being there that counts, so although I had my preference I was never going to be disappointed!

Email came through..... I'm an on route supervisor...Yipppeee!!! :-D 

15th June 2014 - Role Specific Training!
For Role Specific Training I headed up to Leeds with a fellow volunteer. The additional excitement of today is that today would be the day that uniforms were distributed!

 6th July 2014 - Race Day!!
Wow Race Day was finally here after many many many days of talking about the Tour coming to Sheffield, today was the day.... The tour was coming to Sheffield! My day started with a brisk walk up to Hillsborough Leisure Centre where all the Tour Makers for that area were meeting.

Lets the games begin: Glasgow 2014 Common Wealth Games: Clyde-Sider

So I thought it's about time I started a new post following on from The Road to Glasgow 2014 now that the first training session is fast approaching!

Orientation Training - Friday 7th March 2014

As Glasgow to Sheffield is pretty much impossible to do in 1 day, I finished work on Thursday and caught the train to my parents ready for my trip to Glasgow the next day.

On the Friday, I got an early train to Glasgow giving myself an hour or so to talk from the station across to the training venue - the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

On arrival there was no mistaking what was going on that day, with lots of branding and signs as shown in my photo! I was quite surprised at the length of the queues outside, but I think this was because the doors didn't actually open until 10am. Once the doors were open, the queues quickly disappeared and soon enough everyone was ready for the show to begin!

Promise I'll come back and finish this one when I get a spare moment or 2 :-)