Erin Sinclair is one of the founding members of the Young Professionals Advisory Board (YPAB). Her passion and enthusiasm for the game is evidenced not only by her volunteerism in the rugby community, but also through her professional career as a financial representative where she uses her rugby knowledge to help illustrate the often complex components of financial management. USA Rugby Trust spoke with Erin to learn more about her commitment to the game and her connection with YPAB.
USA Rugby Trust: First, please tell me a little about yourself.
Erin Sinclair: I am a financial representative for The Heartland Group, the Chicago office of Penn Mutual. I teach people about money through a platform I call the Financial Fitness Game Plan.
USART: What is your connection to rugby?
ES: I started playing my freshman year of college in 2002 and have played the last 15 years. I'm currently playing social Sevens. I recently started refereeing, which I absolutely love. I am also the vice president of the Chicago Area Rugby Business Network, which brings together like-minded individuals for business and career aspirations.
USART: What is your role with YPAB?
ES: I am the vice president of YPAB and my role is to organize events that bring rugby to neighborhoods - these can be neighborhoods that are either new to the game or well-versed with it. These events grow awareness for the game and raise funds for USA Rugby Trust.
USART: Tell me more about the group. Why was it formed?
ES: YPAB was formed for two main reasons. First, we bring rugby to communities to grow the love of the game. Second, this group increases involvement for individuals between the ages of 21 to 39 years who want to stay involved and give back to the rugby community.
USART: What kinds of events have you planned for YPAB?
ES: The events I have planned include international match viewing parties, educational events and youth Sevens clinics. For 2017, we will be rolling out a new national fundraiser that will be held in the cities where YPAB members exist.
USART: What are your main goals as a member of YPAB?
ES: I'd like to work to bring Try on Rugby clinics to schools and communities that do not have it. Another goal is to raise funds for USA Rugby Trust to support the national Sevens and XVs players.
USART: Why do you think YPAB is important?
ES: It allows people to turn their insane rugby love and passion into something that benefits many people and generations, including themselves.
USART: In your own words, tell me why you think someone should apply to join YPAB.
ES: YPAB is looking for members between the ages of 21-39 who want to be more active in their rugby community and are willing to take on the responsibility of planning and hosting events to raise rugby awareness and funds for USA Rugby Trust. This in turn benefits rugby as a whole and players nationally. Experience isn't entirely necessary, but the drive and passion to grow the game is.
Rugby is a universal language that has come alive in America, now more than ever. The opportunity to make an effective and historical footprint is here.
If you are interested in learning more about the Young Professionals Advisory Board or would like to apply, please visit USARugbyTrust.org/ShowYourSupport and select the YPAB tab.
