HMP Isis volunteer tournament

Last month, I had the privilege of volunteering with the 3Pillars Project at the end-of-programme rugby tournament at HMP Isis. The experience was truly rewarding and an honour to be part of. 

A few days before the event, we met with the 3Pillars team for a briefing. We discussed how to carry ourselves and the structure of the tournament. The key takeaway was the importance of respect and humility - values that underpin the contract the team signs with the young men in the programme. Over the past seven weeks, the 3Pillars team had built a strong rapport with the participants, holding themselves and the lads accountable to the values listed in the contract.

For myself, there was definitely a feeling of excitement/nerves pre-tournament. My previous perception and experience of prisons have been quite sheltered. Formed by a couple of school talks, the media and BBC dramas, all largely shedding a negative light on what happens in prisons and the results of rehabilitation. 

We got checked into HMP Isis on the day of tournament, going through massive door, after massive door, making our way towards the 3G pitch. At this point, there was a definitely a bit of shakiness from myself and the rest of the volunteers - but was put it at ease after meeting the lads (or by their team names Hunters and Whole Chicken, I still don’t really understand the former). 

From the outset, it was really clear to see how invested they all were. We cracked on with an ice breaker session and went into the mentioned contract. Anyone involved in the rugby that day - programme participant or volunteer - had to sign up to and agree on the 5 behaviours of the tournament. Integrity, Discipline, Respect, Communication and Teamwork, which are all synonymous with rugby. It was great to see the group so receptive to their peers as they walked through and explained each session. Starting with the warm up, onto netball rugby, then probably the most competitive game of kick tennis I’ve ever been part of. Competitive but always supportive amongst the group. 

Then to cap off the day, we got our gumshields on and had a game of full contact. One thing I’d wish I’d seen in this whole process is to have seen the group in week 1, as the standard in the tournament was genuinely impressive. Rugby is a perfect way to channel aggression in a controlled and disciplined environment, and then share a knowing smile together and shake hands. I found it a really rewarding day!

Thanks again team!

‍