Stirling’s medical man named March BT Volunteer of the Month

A committed member of Stirling County has been named BT Volunteer of the Month for going above and beyond for his club.

Joey Crozier, a surgeon at Forth Valley hospital, finds time alongside his day job to volunteer as the U15 boys’ Team Manager, Assistant Coach and Tour Director, girls’ U12 Head Coach and minis fixture convenor as well as providing his medical expertise to the senior side on match-days.

On top of this Joey and his wife Annie were instrumental in establishing a Girls U12 team at Stirling County and have since seen it go from strength to strength.

Joey said: “I am beyond shocked and grateful to be BT Volunteer of the Month for March as just one of the many hard-working volunteers at Stirling County.

“A real aim of mine is to help develop the U12 girls team further at the club and across Scotland.

My kids have played rugby since preschool, so I’ve been coaching for around 9 years now and seeing kids play rugby, being happy, makes me happy.

“Their smiles genuinely make all the work worth it.”

This season Joey became Head Coach of the girls’ U12 team. His daughter has played mini rugby since nursery and enjoyed playing in the P6 mixed team but was eager to share playing with more girls.

Joey organized tours for the teams at the club and recently took his son’s squad to France, as is tradition at County, while his wife was with the girls’ U12 on tour to Northern Ireland where they played their first cross-border match.

Family life revolves around rugby for the Croziers with both Joey’s children, Adam and Ella, having played for County since preschool. Annie is team manager for both the kids’ teams alongside her role as club membership secretary and the whole family are often found at BT Murrayfield or in the stands at Scotstoun.

As part of the U15 coaching & management team Joey has been part of bringing a squad through the age-groups which continues to grow.

He also gives up his time to help as a doctor at 1st XV matches and as the medical ‘go-to man’ for the club.

Stirling County Club Director, Craig Bulloch, said: “Joey is a dedicated member of the club who works tirelessly for the youth and mini sections.

“He’s an inspiration to players, coaches and parents alike and hugely respected by his peers.

“A club man through and through who continually puts others before himself.

I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award.”

All winners of BT Club Volunteer of the Month are invited to BT Murrayfield, with nine friends, to attend the annual Scottish Rugby Club Awards Dinner.

At the Awards Dinner, each of the winners will be in with a chance to win the BT Club Volunteer of the Season award, which will be announced on the night.

The winner of the annual award will receive a £1,000 grant for their club.

To nominate your club, a volunteer or try for the BT Awards please visit: http://www.scottishrugby.org/clubnominations