IN the world of athletics, few roles are as pivotal – and unsung – as those of the dedicated volunteers who give their time and energy behind the scenes.
Rebecca Orpin, chair of Jersey Spartan Athletics Club (JSAC), exemplifies that commitment, and her recent acknowledgement as Club Leader of the Year celebrates her passion, humility, and vision for the sport.
Honoured as a National Volunteer Award winner by England Athletics, Orpin’s journey has been one of consistent growth and inspiring transformation for her club.
The Islander first received the South East Volunteer Award, recognising her achievements at a regional level, before the national honour “came out of the blue” at the England Athletics Hall of Fame event in Leicester. She said: “It was lovely to even be nominated by my club.
“The guys even put a little video together, which I was not aware of at all.
“I first saw it at the Regional Volunteer Awards – that was really touching – and then to get an email saying I’d won the National Award. I didn’t even know there was a National Award.”
The awards ceremony was an unforgettable experience for Orpin, complete with pyrotechnics and world-class athletes.
“I was on a bit of an adrenaline high,” she recalled, describing the joy of being “appreciated not only by my club, but also recognised by the governing body.”
At the helm of JSAC for three years, Orpin has been instrumental in transforming the club’s infrastructure and culture.
While she’s responsible for day-to-day club management – handling equipment, budgets, sponsorships, and policies – along with the rest of her committee, her vision has always been broader. To create a space where everyone, regardless of experience or age, feels welcome and empowered to excel.
Orpin added: “I think the most important thing for me in doing my role as chair is making sure I have a really good team around me.”
Her leadership style emphasises collaboration and open discussion within her committee, creating a culture where diverse perspectives drive the club forwards with its best interests at heart.
“We’ve got people from lots of different backgrounds. People who don’t think the same way as I do, and that’s really important,” she explained.
“It’s good for me to know I don’t have the last word, and that someone can bring in a better idea or suggestion.
“We always try to go with what’s best for the club.”
One of Orpin’s most significant projects, was spearheading the club’s barn-to-gym conversion, creating a multifunctional indoor space that’s proved essential for training, particularly in challenging weather.
“We used to have a very small gym—so small you couldn’t get a group of juniors in there,” she noted.
“Now there’s so much we can do in there; it’s really been a bit of a game-changer.”
As a dedicated volunteer herself, Orpin is conscious of the time others devote to the club.
“Everyone gives up a lot of their time, so if we can use technology to make things easier – get the same results with less effort, then we do that.”
Under her tenure, Spartans embraced a competition management system piloted by England Athletics, which has transformed event organisation.
Instead of manual spreadsheets, the new system streamlines the process, saving significant time for volunteers and delivering faster results for athletes.
Orpin also introduced a membership management system, which modernised administration and enabled efficient data handling, from athlete health details to photography consent.
“It makes our lives so much easier,” she said, highlighting how the system allows the club to manage information securely and effectively.
The recognition Orpin received at the England Athletics Hall of Fame event came with the added thrill of mingling with some of the sport’s most celebrated figures.
“I got to meet Molly Caudery, the World Indoor pole vault champion, and even Katherine Merry, who won bronze in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.”
Sharing the night with legends of the sport served to underscore the honor of the occasion.
The Islander explained her excitement at meeting Paralympic Games medallist Ali Smith, who was sat at the same table as Orpin, and even passed around her bronze medal.
“It really was a fabulous evening,” she said, adding with a laugh: “I was a bit of a fan girl.”
For Orpin, the evening was about more than personal recognition; it was a tribute to the entire JSAC team and the sense of unity they bring to their community.
“We’re all unpaid volunteers, and we put so much into making the club a great place for athletes of all ages and abilities.”
“The award wasn’t just for me – it was a recognition of everyone who makes our club what it is.”
The JSAC chair was quick to credit the club’s volunteers, coaches, committee members, and parents for creating a supportive environment for all athletes, from beginners to future Commonwealth contenders.
“What we’re trying to do, more than anything, is create a running community where we can celebrate everybody’s ability,” she added.
“Whether someone’s aiming for the next Commonwealth Games or just wants to complete their first 5K, we want them to feel valued.”
The joy Orpin finds in volunteering is palpable, “It’s my happy place.” she exclaimed.
“I’m never happier than when I’m down supporting the athletes and the club.”
“I know I say this to everyone often, but probably not often enough – thank you.
“Thank you to all the volunteers, the committees, the athletes, and the parents who make our club such a special place.”
Orpin’s journey with JSAC highlights the profound impact that passionate leadership can have on a club’s spirit and it’s success.
For her, every decision is rooted in her love for athletics and her respect for her team.
“I just want to keep making things better for everyone who’s part of the club,” she said.
Her humility, dedication, and commitment to making a difference are a testament to why she was chosen as Club Leader of the Year.
