This month we caught up with Alicia Loughlin, who wears two hats at Eltham Rugby — Secretary and Under-11s Manager — to find out what keeps her busy behind the scenes.
How long have you been involved with Eltham Rugby?
My eldest son, Fraser, has been playing for six years, but I’ve probably been around for about five. I started by helping with BBQs and snack bags, and this year I stepped into the Secretary and U11 Manager roles.
What made you start volunteering?
My Irish husband is a massive rugby fan, so really, he’s the one who brought us to the club! Once I realised how small the volunteer pool was, I thought — if I want there to be a rugby club for my boys, I need to help. Particularly I saw the gap in getting the young kids involved, and my younger son has just turned 6. This year I’ve been really proud to help grow the Get into Rugby program with the Junior Co-coordinators and the coaches. Many hands make light work.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Definitely the friendships. I’ve met so many people I’d never have met otherwise. There’s a real family atmosphere at Eltham, and it feels great to create a safe, inclusive place for our kids to play.
What’s been a proud or memorable moment?
I’m proud of the quieter achievements — like updating the club’s child-safeguarding policy and introducing an Acknowledgement of Country at meetings. It’s not flashy, but those things make the club stronger for the future. Oh, and apparently I hold the record for fastest committee minutes ever sent out — not bad for someone who isn’t sporty!
What does a typical volunteering day look like?
For me, it’s a mix of committee meetings and junior game days. On meeting nights I set up the table, take notes, try to keep everyone on time, then get the minutes out as soon as I can. It’s flexible — I can fit it around work and family.
What’s one thing people might not realise about you?
That I know very little about rugby!
Favourite game-day snack?
The snakes from the Under-11s snack bags. Definitely the snakes.
What do you do outside of rugby?
I’m work at Lifeblood — Australia’s blood bank (and so much more). I’ve even set up an Eltham Rugby Lifeblood Team to encourage people to donate blood and plasma. Outside of work and rugby, I love spending time with my kids – Fraser and DaithĂ, husband and friends, and going on holidays.
Who inspires you at the club?
Everyone on the committee. Tim for his positivity and leadership, Sylvia for looking after everything, and Alana and Izy for being such great support. Honestly, everyone who shows up and volunteers inspires me.
If you could recruit one famous person to volunteer at the club, who would it be?
Ilona Maher from the USA Women’s Rugby team. She’s strong, hilarious, and such a good role model. She’d be amazing running girls’ coaching sessions and our social media!
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Please help. We’re a small club, and that’s what makes it special — but it means we all need to pitch in. Have a look at the roles on the website or just come and have a chat. We’ll find a way you can help, and you’ll enjoy it, I promise.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Come to the Annual General Meeting on November 22, and think about volunteering for the committee. It helps keep Eltham strong into 2026.
Oh, and while you’re at it… give blood! 🩸
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