Why did you get involved in volunteering?

I have always loved football - as a young player and now as a coach and referee and enjoy 'giving something back' to the game. I grew up participating in the voluntary sports sector and I am well aware that without the many people who volunteered and helped me throughout my life I would not have got where I am today. After I stopped playing football, I wanted to give something back into the community in which I grew up.

I have been a lifelong member of the 4th Newtownabbey Boys Brigade Company and, after gaining my Queen's Badge, I returned as an Officer and became involved in managing and coaching one of the Junior teams under the guidance of Steven Lowry. When Steven founded Carnmoney FDC in September 2008, I immediately joined and combined this with my role in the BB.

What do you do?

In addition to coaching, I am also a qualified referee and operate in the I.F.A.'s Youth and Reserve Leagues - yes I am one of the 'men in black'!

Why do you enjoy it?

I enjoy what I do because I get to see the beautiful game at a different angle. When I was growing up I always played football but never appreciated how much other work goes on in making sure it all comes together. I enjoy it now because I am able to help make sure the boys and girls enjoy their training or matches, either when I am coaching or refereeing.

What opportunites has volunteering given you?

The Coach Education Programme at Carnmoney FDC has really opened doors for me. It was through this Programme that I expressed an interest in refereeing and aquiring my coaching badges. The club sourced the course date and venue and funded 50% of my course fees and expenses, thus making the opportnites more accessible and affordable. Within the past year or so, I have gained my Refereeing Badge, Level 1 Coaching Award and most recetnly my Skills 4 Sport Award through Sport NI. I am really fortunate as I will also be able to put these qualifications to good use in my career as a PE teacher. I am also looking forward to hopefully volunteering at the 2012 London Olympic Games and being part of this unique sporting phenomenon.

In addition to gaining qualifications, I have also met many other people who share similar interests and it has been great meeting new people and sharing experiences.

Do you have a typical 'day in the life of' volunteerng routiene and if so, what is it?

On any Saturday I am either coaching at Carnmoney FDC and/or managing my BB team and/or refereeing a senior match - so matchdays are usually very hectic - but I love it.

What would you say to others who might thing about volnteering?

Voluntary sports clubs and community groups rely on people to give up a few hours a week to help out in any way. If you would like to give something back to your community, then volunteering is a great way to do it. Basically every club or organisation needs volunteers, so no matter what your hobbies or interests are, there is someting you could be doing to help! You may even gain qualifications which will be beneficial in your day job - like me!

Quick Fire Questions

• Sports Idol? Gareth McAuley, an all-time Coleraine FC hero, who has done well with local teams and made it to a reasonable standard across the water. Anybody that can play in the top flight and not get into much trouble or scandal with the police or paparazzi deserve a lot of credit!
• Most memorable sporting occasion? Playing - winning the P.7 League and Cup double with Whiteabbey Primary School and also plaing at The Oval during my time with Larne Reserves. Watching - when Northern Ireland beat England, Spain and Sweden at Windsor Park, also when Coleraine won the Irish Cup in 2003. The atmosphere for all those games was electric. The Kop really is the best place to be! Refereeing - taking charge of Keith Gillespie's first match for Glentoran (a Reserve match at The Oval). Keith will always be one of of Northern Ireland's true greats and it was fantastic to referee one of my all-time heroes.
• Favourite sport? Football (need you ask!).
• Best footie team in the world? Downshire's Year 8 team. They're unbeaten this year!
• Word you use far (!) too much? Awesome.
• Favourite food? Flip, where do I start? ... My mum's Sunday dinner, chinese takeaways, basically any fast food place.
• Favourite TV programme? Friends or Scrubs are always a good watch.
• Most overplayed song on your ipod? At the minute it's between Bad Romance by Lady Gaga and Tik Tok by Kesha.
• Facebook, Bebo or Twitter? Used to be Bebo, but Facebook is taking over now!
• BGT or XFactor? Erm... the auditions bit of XFactor when you get the people who really can't sing come on and try to get through!
• Best film you've seen this year? Something like The Hangover or Law Abiding Citizen.
• Where will you be in 2012? Hopefully completing my PGCE at University, volunteering at the London Olympic Games and moving up in the refereeing world.