Our first Volunteer of the Month Spotlight:
Your Name : Lynette Knott
What is your role at St Neots Rugby Club, and how long have you been volunteering here?: I have been the Club Secretary since the beginning of the 2024/2025 season and have fixtures for my son’s team for a number of years. I have been volunteering here at St Neots Rugby Club in one capacity or another for the last 8 years - and love it.
What inspired you to start volunteering at the club?: I got involved with this club because I wanted to support in whatever way I could as this club and its members have given me and my family so much over the last 8 years and it’s my little way to say thank you and to step up.
How has being part of the St Neots Rugby Club community impacted you personally?: When I say this club and our team is my second family to anyone outside of the rugby community they think I am little bonkers but it is true. Here at St Neots my children and I have made lifelong friends, it is full of really great people who are lots of fun and will always have your back anytime day or night- that in my book is priceless.
What do you think makes St Neots Rugby Club special?: The people, we are a diverse mix of people from all walks of life who have a shared love and respect for the glorious game of rugby.
Outside of rugby, what are your hobbies or interests?: Outside of the rugby club, I am a mum of three beautiful beans and have recently become a Nanny…. I love being in, near or on water and throughout the summer can be found at every opportunity paddle boarding on our lovely river. I also enjoy a good walk whatever the weather and I am currently training for the Pathfinder March again in June, a 46 mile yomp around the Cambridgeshire 2nd World War RAF hangers and bases.
What’s one thing you’d like people to know about the work volunteers do behind the scenes at the club?: The one thing I would like people to know about the work volunteers do behind the scenes is….. We will not always get it right, but we all do try our very best for our club and everyone who is part of it. There are many hours spent planning, coaching, attending meetings, setting up pitches, clearing dog poo off the common, clearing ISOs and even unblocking toilets, things that are unseen and we all do it all in the best interests of the club and its members.
If someone was thinking of volunteering at the club, what advice or encouragement would you give them?: Just go for it, you will be supported and it's a great team. Just be honest with yourself and the club in terms of what time you have and the skills you have to offer. As they say it’s better to under promise and over deliver than the other way round.
What are your hopes or goals for the future of St Neots Rugby Club?: My wish for this club is to continue to have an active, thriving and developing playing set up. Whether you are a beginner, a vet, are playing with a dodgy shoulder or an eager M&J that you can make the most of the rugby you play and that when you are at the club you feel welcome and part of this amazing community.
If you want to find out more about volunteering roles at St Neots Rugby Club, drop us an email. We are always looking for people to get involved!