QUICK-FIRE is a weekly feature designed to introduce all members of our Chinnor RFC Thame family. This week, the spotlight is on Carl Barlow-Heal ...

Player or Volunteer?
Volunteer – I’m one of the U16 coaches.

First season?
I started in 2006/07 with an U6 age group.

Why did you decide to volunteer at Chinnor?
My eldest son came up to give it a go and four weeks later I found myself as one of two novice coaches responsible for the U6s! A challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience for many years.

What is it like volunteering at Chinnor?
A fantastic experience. Seeing the players develop from U6 through to U16 is amazing. The players are now committed, work together, support each other and flourishing under the coaching. Ok, one or two still have days where catching or passing is a struggle, but generally the capability and skillset is phenomenal. We are extremely lucky to have such a broad depth of coaches in the age group with far more playing skills and experience than myself, who have really brought the players on and what they have passed on to the team is priceless.

Best memory?
There are a few really good memories to be honest (and one or two Jägermeister related ones I am desperately trying to forget!). Taking my eldest lad Adam’s team on to the pitch at Adams Park for a Wasps half-time match day game and my youngest lad Nathan's team finally beating Henley to win the County tournament. Also, seeing Nathan turn out for his first county match for Bucks last season. But most of all, it is the grins and smiles on the faces of all the players after a match or a good training session, no matter the weather, and realising just how much they are enjoying the game of rugby.