The volunteers helping community sport to thrive across Wales

Peter Higgins – Table Tennis – Umpire

Peter Higgins has volunteered as an Umpire in North Wales since 1987. From children to 90 year olds, from local clubs to the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games, Peter has helped to officiate competitive table tennis opportunities and ensured fair play for all.

Starting as a local umpire in Anglesey has led to Peter umpiring across the world in places such as Las Vegas and Italy.

“I have been to countries that I would not have seen if not for table tennis. You meet players from around the world, and make lifelong friends.

“You also help individuals of all ages, genders, nationalities, and abilities.”

Hannah Hancock – Canoeing – Instructor and Committee Member

At Welshpool Canoe Club, Hannah Hancock champions opportunities for neurodivergent paddlers. As an autistic person herself, she supports coaches at the club to understand her needs and has even helped a young autistic boy feel more comfortable in sessions.

Hannah gives a few hours every week to volunteering, including work on Paddle Cymru’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee and as an ambassador for the Outdoor Partnership. Her contributions can range from supporting women lacking in confidence in paddlesport as a She Paddles volunteer to posting on the club’s social media. She has even shone a light on neurodivergent paddlers by interviewing them in an online video.

"Volunteering makes me feel impactful and builds my confidence. It is special because you feel so valued, seen and supported no matter what you do and watching the joy on participants' faces is the best part"

Ryan Morely – Cycling – Event Organiser 

When Ryan Morely noticed there’d been a lack of road and circuit cycling happening for children in North Wales since the pandemic, he knew he needed to take action. That’s when he launched the North Wales Circuit Series.

Last year, with the help of his wife, Lucy, Ryan organised his first circuit race in North Wales. This led to a whole series of races this year, ensuring people of all ages, genders and abilities can compete in cycling again.

“I made it my mission to bring competitive bike racing back to North Wales. And the North Wales Circuit Series was born. I never set out to be an event organiser, but I could see the need for events was there so I took it on.

“I don't think anyone volunteers for the fame and glory. I want to give others the opportunity to experience the sport and hopefully fall in love with it the way I have.”

Jemma Dopson – Climbing – New Volunteer

Volunteers can make an impact, whether they’ve been doing it for many years or just a few months. 

That’s true of Jemma, who is a new volunteer. She has a passion for ensuring sporting activities are accessible. Volunteering at Cardiff Rockstars Inclusive Climbing Club gave her the perfect opportunity to make an impact.

In just a few months, she has become a key link between The Outdoor Partnership and the local climbing wall, helping the club build strong relationships and grow its sessions.

“Since volunteering at the club, I have seen attendance grow from just two children on my first session in June, to a regular eight attendees. It’s great to see the kids having fun, growing in confidence and developing their climbing skills.”

Alex Evans – Cricket – Scorer

You don’t have to be an adult to volunteer. At just 13 years old, Alex Evans volunteers as the scorekeeper at Croesyceiliog Cricket Club - and he was even younger when he started. 

Alex has enjoyed keeping score so much that he’s supporting his sister’s cricket teams He’s even volunteering as a netball coach at Cwmbran Youth Netball Club.

“I enjoy volunteering in cricket. Especially the scoring side of things and I enjoy helping out the team and the people at the club”

Terrie and Alex Dalton – Badminton – U15’s Squad Coach and Manager

What better time to spend time with your partner than by volunteering in sport. That’s exactly how Terrie and Alex Dalton feel when coaching and managing Badminton Wales’ U15’s team.

Their volunteering journey started together at Oakdale Badminton Club, running the junior teams. From there, they began coaching in the county and set up an academy, eventually supporting Welsh Juniors at National camps.

“As one team, we are stronger. We have a strong belief that coaching should be available to everyone to help them achieve their potential.

“We believe in giving back to the badminton community. We love seeing people progressing and achieving in badminton and seeing more people playing and enjoying the sport.”

Bev Tucker – Disability Sport – Coach and Manager

Bev Tucker has played a pivotal role in making sure there are a variety of sport opportunities for disabled people in mid Wales. In 2002, she was a founding member of Brecon Integrated Sports Association and has been volunteering as a community coach there for the past eight years.

Her efforts in disability sport have even taken her volunteering to the international stage with Special Olympics GB, supporting athletes with learning difficulties. 

“I enjoy organising sports each week and seeing people have fun taking part.

“I have had many amazing memories, including with Special Olympics GB, which makes me feel proud. It's great to be able to give back time and see the club doing well.”

Izzy Islam – Seeds of Hope Wales - Founder

As a father of three non-verbal autistic children, Izzy Islam created Seeds of Hope Wales with his wife to provide opportunities for families like theirs. 

Izzy runs monthly sessions, including sensory boxing, disability football, gymnastics and martial arts, giving neurodivergent children the chance to try different sports in an environment where they are supported and celebrated.

“Volunteering means so much to me. Watching these incredible children smile, succeed, and reach milestones that many people once thought impossible is something that hits me deeply every single time. 

“It fills me with pride, joy, and sometimes even tears. These moments remind me why my wife and I are so passionate about this work.”

Richard Rees – Basketball – Founder and Coach

With few basketball opportunities in his area, Richard Rees set up Pembrokeshire Tritons so local people didn’t have to travel to Swansea or Cardiff to play. 

Since then, the club has grown from strength to strength, with Richard leading the charge. Thanks to his hard work, the Tritons have teams from U10s right through to seniors, creating a basketball pathway for the whole community.

“Volunteering might not be paid, but it enriches your life in other ways. For all of us, hearing the Leisure Centre fill with the noise of bouncing basketballs and kids having fun was really rewarding.” 

Sue and Rob Hooper – Athletics - Officials

Another couple who volunteer together are Sue and Rob Hooper. Their journeys started in 2010 when they were short of a Track Judge and Starter Assistant at a Youth Development League event. Since then, they undertook courses to upskill as officials and they have been officiating together ever since.

“Without the many volunteers, there would be no sport. Being part of a like-minded community has allowed us to meet new people and develop lifelong friendships.

“We have gained skills which have been a help in our working life, as well as in our personal live, along with the physical and mental health benefits.”

Image: Welsh Athletics

Kerina Lake – Orienteering – Committee Member

Kerina Lake is addicted to volunteering – whether it’s the local litter picking group, a charity shop or at Swansea Bay Orienteering Club, she is regularly giving up her time. 

Her volunteering journey in orienteering started with planning the events at Swansea Bay. Now, she has tried her hand at various roles on the committee, helping people to enjoy navigating through their local green spaces. 

“Volunteer organisations are a vital lifeline to so many people and fill a void that is created when councils and government organisations are unable to fund what the population need or want. 

“I have always enjoyed volunteering, it is good fun and I get a great satisfaction from giving something back to the community and a sport that I love to compete in. 

Roger Pratt – Angling – Chairman and Coach

Pembrokeshire Federation of Angling Coaches (PFAC) is a group of 17 volunteer coaches, delivering fishing for young people and schoolchildren with special education needs. One of the founding members is Roger Pratt who has been volunteering as an angling coach since September 2007.

In 2025 alone, Roger has helped facilitate 31 coaching sessions for 224 young people, including young carers and scout organisations. He’s keen to stress, though, that it is very much a team of volunteers who make it happen.

“The group has given so many people of all ages the opportunity to have a go at angling. It is always very satisfying as a coach to see pupils catching their first fish.”