20/10/2026
Five years ago, Ray Beck had no connection to rugby. Today, he’s one of the most familiar faces around Wallsend RFC.
From first aid and match-day jobs to lifts, water bottles and the occasional bag of Haribo, Ray’s story shows that you don’t need a rugby background to get involved. Sometimes you just need to be willing to help.
From Grandad on the Touchline to Part of the Zend Family, here is his story.
My involvement in Wallsend RFC started around five years ago, when “Bear” visited Battle Hill Primary School looking for youngsters to give rugby a try. My two grandsons came home and asked if they could go along.
During one of their first training sessions, Darren asked if I fancied helping with coaching and first aid.Coaching? Definitely not! First aid? That I could do.
I’d spent nine years in the military, 14 years as a coach driver and 17 years working in security with North Tyneside Council. All of those roles involved regular first-aid training, so it was something I felt comfortable helping with Match day
My match day usually starts before I even get to the club. I make sure the first-aid kit is stocked and everything is in date, get the ice packs ready and fill 16 water bottles. There might also be some Haribo, ice pops or orange juice thrown in for good measure.
Then I’ll pick up any players or parents who need a lift.
At the pitch I set up my famous “Chair of Pain”, check the defibrillator is charged and ready, and then help with whatever else needs doing. If the coaches need the flags putting out, I’ll do that. If something else needs sorting, I’ll help with that too.
There isn’t really a job I wouldn’t do to help the team or the club.
More than just rugby
One of the things I enjoy most is turning up at training and seeing the top pitch full of players, from the Untrainables right through to the Colts, with mums, dads and grandparents there supporting them.
When Janice and I retired, we decided we weren’t going to sit around and get stagnant. Scouting was our first step into volunteering and then we found our way into the Zend.
What an amazing family it has turned out to be.
Over the years I’ve helped with first aid, car parking and most other things that need doing around the club. During the closed season I genuinely miss it — the players, supporters, families and even the pets.
Valuing our volunteers
Steve Fear club Chairman says, "Ray’s contribution certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Last season, he became the first recipient of the Brian Thirlaway Trophy, presented to him by Vicky Thirlaway. The award recognises those people who make a real contribution to youth rugby away from the pitch — the people who give their time and quietly get on with the jobs that keep everything running.
As a club, we’re incredibly fortunate to have people like Ray involved. Volunteers are a huge part of Wallsend RFC and we genuinely value every person who gives up their time, whether that’s coaching, first aid, helping on match days, working behind the scenes or simply stepping in when something needs doing.
Ray probably sums it up better himself — he doesn’t volunteer for anything in return. He does it because he enjoys being part of the club and wants to help."
Thinking about volunteering?
You might already volunteer without even realising it. Supporting the players, picking up rubbish or lending a hand on match day all helps.
Maybe you could help in Ed’s Shed, set things up on a weekend, become a first aider or, if you’re an ex-player, give coaching a go.
You don’t need a rugby background and age certainly isn’t a barrier. It just takes a little bit of your time and a willingness to help.
Our club can only continue to grow if people get involved, and you might not realise it yet, but you could be exactly the person who can help.
I can’t promise cuddles, but the coffee is always on the table.
Come and join us.
Be The Zend.
Northumberland RFU
