In ‘Five Minutes With…’ we share the stories of our Bisley colleagues and business partners, allowing you to get to know them a little better. Bisley has a long-standing relationship with Dragons RFC, sponsoring them for the last 25 years. In this feature, we talk to Mike Sage, Community Manager at Dragons RFC.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself and how you became the Community Manager at the Dragons.
My name is Mike Sage and I am the Community Manager at Dragons RFC. I have been fortunate to work in this inspiring environment at Rodney Parade for the past 22 years.
As an Islwyn boy, having grown up with the passion of rugby prominent in my everyday life and as a former semi-professional player, I feel privileged to hold such a key position within community rugby across South Wales.
Over this period, I’ve experienced many exciting times at the Parade - and a few challenging ones along the way too! But my progression in the business has been very rewarding and I love coming to work every day with a view of making a positive impact.
My role started as a Community Development Officer, to Gateway Rugby Manager and now Community Manager. Within this time, I have also coached Newport RFC for two seasons and was later Team Manager for several years.
I feel privileged to have worked at Rodney Parade for so long with superb staff and an amazing Community team, who have inspired thousands upon thousands over the years through our community and inclusion provisions.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
When I get time to reflect on my time at Rodney Parade, in between our busy community work, I have to pinch myself.
I have had, and continue to have, unbelievable experiences and have met some amazing people along the way in terms of staff, community partners, coaches, and world-class players, who have graced the hallowed turf of Rodney Parade.
We have developed a ‘Family of Provisions’ that provide inspiring and often life-changing opportunities to thousands of people across our diverse range of activities. We engage with some amazing people, who quickly become important members of our Dragons family. Our engagement includes schools, rugby clubs, wheelchair rugby, mixed ability rugby, homeless rugby, sporting memories, walking rugby, autism support, rugby skills camps, additional needs support and much more.
One of our mantras has been about surrounding ourselves with good people and I believe that we have dedicated staff, superb partners and amazing supporters who together, make Rodney Parade the place to be – a family friendly fortress.
The atmosphere in and around Rodney Parade on a Derby day or European night rivals that of any stadium and I am proud to play my little part in this with all our community guests. The future both on and off the field is exciting, and it feels like we are building something really special that we will all be proud of.
Tell us how the Dragons are helping to tackle mental health.
Mental health is a big feature across all our ‘Family of Provisions’, especially as our community and inclusion footprint continually grows.
Our element of physical activity supports people’s mental wellbeing but as important, are the weekly friendship groups we create to reduce loneliness and encourage people to socialise and communicate in safe and inspiring environments.
We are also partnered with mental health charity, Signposted Cymru, who provide amazing support with initial and immediate intervention and early prevention for individuals struggling, suffering and needing support with their mental health and wellbeing.
In what ways do the Dragons give back to the community?
In terms of our Community team, I am bursting with pride with regards to our community impact, which is certainly gaining momentum and credibility as we grow our community and inclusive Dragons family.
One thing I’ve never done is take my position or our team for granted, as I am fully aware of our responsibility in driving the Dragons forward and lots of people would love to be in our position.
I’ve experienced many what I would describe as ‘community WOW moments’ over the years and when I explain these to people, I still get shivers and my hairs stand up on end (well, what hair I’ve got left)!
I know they are WOW moments, when tears fill the eyes of the people I am sharing them with.
I must also highlight that while we inspire people through our community work, we are also inspired by the people we meet and support on a daily basis.
How helpful is it to receive support from companies like Bisley?
The support from our community partners, like yourselves, is vital, allowing us to create and provide life-changing opportunities for our Dragons Family members. Our Community department is certainly at the heart of our communities, and you provide the life blood that keeps our heart beating.
A special mention to Mr. Tony Brown OBE, who established our Community department in 2000, to give local people aspirations, as he built the best on and off field team to come out of Newport. Keeping in regular contact with Mr. Brown is inspiring as his emotions and love of rugby continues and we are proud to keep building on his vision now and well into the future.
Thank you, Mr Brown for your dedication and commitment to rugby and all our communities.
Do you have a favourite Bisley product and why?
It would have to be the Bisley filing cabinets, which allow me to be organised and keep my work safe and secure with the lockable draws. I’ve been with the Dragons for a long time and my filing cabinet has been right there with me!
What do you do to switch off after a day at the Dragons?
Family is precious to me, so I enjoy spending time with my amazing family. With three children, who are all physically active, time at home is generally time on the road travelling to football, rugby, netball, athletics, or cricket events.
I also enjoy keeping myself fit in the gym or a run out playing touch rugby to keep the heart, lungs, and body healthy.