RLSS UK Trainer Assessor Karen Stevenson has secured her role in the media team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. We are looking forward to hearing how Karen gets on this summer. Read more about Karen's story so far...

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"I applied to be part of the collective when the initial enquires came out and registered my interest. When the application went live I applied and was very excited to receive an invitation to an interview in Birmingham.  I booked my slot and train ticket, and off I went, very excited at the opportunity. Following the interview (and meeting Perry!) I then had to wait several months until earlier this year when I heard that I was successful and would be part of the Hockey Field of Play team! 

"It was quite nerve-racking seeing on social media how other people had been successful and I was still waiting to hear, but once I got the confirmation I was very excited to have the opportunity. I have received my 13 shifts, I cannot wait for further training, the uniform delivery, and meeting up with new and familiar faces for the two weeks.

"I am a ladies Club captain of the Oldest Hockey Club in the World, Blackheath, and have been playing hockey with them for over 22 years and have volunteered in many roles across the club in this time. I then started Volunteering as a Hockey Maker for England Hockey in approximately 2013 following working as a Games Maker for the 2012 Olympic and Para Olympic Games. I developed the bug for volunteering and wanted to keep giving back to a sport that I am passionate about; using my free time wisely and helping to ensure that hockey at all levels can take place for the enjoyment of others, be it players or spectators from grass routes to international level.  Being able to combine my passion with giving back is an honour and to be able to do this at the Commonwealth games is even better.

"I am currently an RLSS UK TA and have been for many years. I develop monthly pool training across GLL / Better as a TA in my primary role as a General Manager.  I love delivering training and ensuring that our staff are trained to an excellent standard each time so that in the eventuality they will need to put their training to use they can do it to the best of their ability. I also deliver and train swim teacher in NARASTAC Light. If I had more free time I would definitely see how I could volunteer more with the RLSS UK as ensuring that staff are trained to a high level is a passion of mine. I have held an NPLQ for probably 25 years, and during COVID I took extra CPD and online training to improve my skill base and became a First Aid Trainer. I will be using this training again this year to deliver a First Aid Course to my Hockey Club, following one of the players having a heart attack after a game and had to be revived by other players and using a Defibrillator. Our Committee took the decision that we must ensure that our members know what to do if this situation ever arises again. I am looking forward to dedicating my time to our club and members that wish to learn some basic life-saving skills."

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