I started my rugby career at St Austell RFC aged about 5 in the late 1970s. I begged my parents to let me have ago as my older brother was playing. Mr Bell was my coach.

It was mixed age groups back then. I played full contact in the same team as my brother who is three and a half years older than me. I always loved the game and came back to club rugby aged 14 as the Colts were short and I was there to make up the numbers!

I loved everything about it, training with the first team including the singing after the game and I couldn't get enough. I Playing for the school on a Saturday morning, the Colts in the afternoon and the Vets on a Sunday. This was all at Cromwell Road which always seemed to have six inches of water on it. It gave me self-confidence and moulded me into who I am today.

With the club selling the ground and while we looked for a new home I stayed with the club, running the line for the first team home and away always with my kit on in the hope of a game. Home games were either at Penrice or Brannel schools. My debut very nearly came at Redruth but I had to wait a few weeks more to come on as sub at Bude at the ripe old age of 15!

With our new home of Tregorrick purchased we had one pitch; what is now pitch 2 and we changed into our kit at Penrice school while the club house and first team pitch were being built. I captained the first U16 team and then we got the Colts going again. First team chances were few for an Open side Flanker of that era, Rob Daniels was captain and arguably one of the best open sides in the County. I had chances when Rob was unavailable and they even tried playing us together, both of us had only ever stood at the tail of the lineout and he pulled rank. Thank God there wasn't lifting in those days!

Niggly injuries combined with work and family then stalled my rugby career. I captained 2nd and 3rd teams and played where I was needed. I have made a great many friends over time but I stayed away for several years as some silly sod would inevitably talk this silly sod into playing again and by now I was self employed so it was not a risk I could take.

I rocked up at the club again in September 2011 with my son James who wanted to give it ago. I offered my services to the two coaches of the U8s and they near ripped my arm off. Clive, Chris and myself guided the team now U9s to the County Cup Final against a very strong Redruth team, we were second best on the day but every player in the squad played at least half of the game. I am told we were the first Saints side to achieve this at that age grade.

With the continual swapping out of volunteers as their kids grow up and move on I somehow now I find myself Chair of the Youth Section! This is a challenging role but also very rewarding to be part of the best run and biggest youth set up in the County. But like many of my school reports said, "would rather be out on the field!"

I enjoy coaching kids and it is doubly rewarding to see and hear of kids doing better away from rugby because they have taken the core values and implemented it into their everyday lives. Rugby is far more than just the game itself. I volunteer because if I can help hand the baton of rugby onto these young players to be enthusiastic in their love of the game and their club then rugby and my club has a future and I hope they will, like me, create many great memories that they can share with lifelong friends in the bar or on the stands whilst watching another bunch of the area's finest. I continue to make good friends every year, new parents, new committee members and of course the young players themselves.

Just this week I took to the field to play once again, be it walking rugby and I was thrilled to be out there with James playing rugby. I hope to have the whole family up there soon loving what rugby and this club is about!

That's my story. Until you put your hand-up and volunteer your story can't begin. I'm not saying its easy but I am saying you'll never find out just how good it can be until you take that step forward and say 'I'll help'. As Youth Chair I am looking for Team Managers and Coaches for some age groups. Lots of experience is not needed as we will teach and support you as you grow into the role.

To read Joel's story click HERE
To read Jenny's story click HERE
To read Tich's story click HERE
To read Rhian's story click HERE

Webmasters Note: This week we have the 'Man and boy' scenario of a local lad who has risen through the ranks. Your journey at St Austell Rugby club could and will be completely different but whether you have lived in the Clays and Bays for 1 month or all your life if you are interested in rugby and want to get involved I want to hear from you. Follow this LINK to see where we have gaps in our volunteer army and get in touch!