Eastern Counties Rugby Union

We are delighted to announce that Charlotte (Charlie) Wootton a volunteer at Wymondham Rugby Club has been recognised as one of three Volunteers of the Year for 2021 by England Rugby as part of the Mitsubishi Motors Volunteer Recognition Programme. Charlie was selected from volunteers from across England and it is testament to her hard work and dedication over the last year that she has received this national award.

Charlie was nominated by her club in the category of “Resilience in Rugby”, having been instrumental in ensuring that her club were able to continue operating during the pandemic. Charlie worked tirelessly to keep the club afloat, ensuring it was a safe environment, with regulations adhered to and the facilities kept well maintained to generate much needed revenue. Appointed as volunteer co-ordinator just before the pandemic, Charlie also successfully built a group of volunteers ready to support the club as rugby returned.

Above all, Charlie has established more volunteers in the club, through her pleasant manner – always performing the above tasks with a smile on her face.

ECRU President John Winders on hearing of the award said “This is an incredible achievement for Charlie that is clearly based on the time and effort she has devoted to her role as a volunteer at the Wymondham Club during what has been a very difficult year. Rugby Clubs make a valuable contribution to the character and well-being of their communities and to sustain this input we are dependent upon our volunteers. This national recognition for Charlie will inspire those associated with our game and other sports to promote volunteering. All in Eastern Counties Rugby wholeheartedly offer Charlie congratulations.”