SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight | Kimberley Guiffe

Glasgow Warriors are delighted to announce that Kimberley Guiffe of Ardrossan Academicals Rugby Club has been selected as SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight winner for May.  

Kimberley is the Volunteer Coordinator for Ardrossan Accies as well as helping to manage their under 14s squad which her son is part of. As part of her role, Kimberley has been delivering club posters to other local community centres and clubs and organised the club’s centenary last year. She has been heavily involved in the club social media outlets to promote the game of rugby.

Kimberley is an ever-present member of Ardrossan Accies and has donated much of her time to improving the club’s facilities. This includes painting the clubhouse’s entire bar area, as well as preparing the social space during the Men’s 2023 World Cup with decorations.

Furthermore, Kimberley organised the club’s fundraising activations for Plaster It Purple. From coordinated carwashes, sponsored walks, and quiz nights, Kimberley helped facilitate the minis and midis sections of the club to raise over £10,000 for the campaign.

Alan Rice—Development Officer at Ardrossan Accies and Kimberley’s nominator—could only sing Kimberley’s praises for all the effort she goes to.

“Kimberley is a key member at the club and tirelessly puts in a lot of the behind-the-scenes work,” Alan said.

“It’s fantastic and important to both me and the club that she gets the recognition she deserves for her hard work. There is no better way to recognise her work than by having the whole Warrior Nation know about it.”

Kimberley’s organisation and work ethic is not only representative in the vast number of donations she gained from the club activations for Plaster It Purple, but also her day-to-day involvement with the club. Her community is central to her volunteer work, not just within rugby, but within Ardrossan’s wider community.

“By taking on the role of Volunteer Coordinator at Ardrossan Accies Rugby Club, I’ve been given a unique opportunity to work with lots of different people, getting to know what makes our club what it is and an opportunity to bring my own ideas forward, which always involves something whacky or fun,” Kimberley said.

“It has allowed our club a chance to deepen its connections with existing, as well as new members with the intention of growing together as a one. 

“Some of the tasks I have taken on involve orchestrating events and initiatives, raising money for local charities, karaoke and family fun days as well as generally being a friendly face. All members can call on if they require support or help within the club.

“For me the role has been about creating spaces where members come together not just as players, but as family, friends, and neighbours.”

Kimberley thanked Alan for nominating her and praised the people in her rugby community.

“It was a complete surprise to find out Alan our club DO had nominated me,” she said. “I feel privileged to have been selected for the award.

“To me it isn’t just about my efforts: it’s a celebration of the unity and solidarity the club has managed to foster from creating such a great role. I take great pleasure from witnessing how doing what I do enriches lives both on and off the field at our little club.”

As part of her recognition, Kimberley will be attending our final home league game of the 2023/24 season against Zebre Parma.