Isaac Boss knows he was one of the lucky ones, growing up.
Not only did Boss come from a large family, he also had a larger, extended family of friends and neighbours that would be there through thick and thin. It was the very essence of a community.
That Tokoroa community could not have been prouder when he represented New Zealand at the U19 world championships and, at the age of 21, his Super Rugby debut.
Boss tracked his Irish roots to County Antrim in 2005 and, while he was at it, signed for Ulster Rugby. He won a league title with them and went on to claim European success with Leinster and Six Nations glory in an Irish jersey.
It is through Boss’ high, sporting profile that he wants to raise awareness about a service that provides support, mentoring and that sense of community to young people across Ireland.
The scrum-half sat down with SportsJOE to talk about his work with Le Chéile. He says:
“Le Cheile is based around youth justice and mentoring for young people. It also does a lot with the families.
“It focuses on the age where kids might be making a few wrong decisions and getting caught up with the justice system. It is trying to help prevent that so when they move into their adulthood, they don’t get caught in the criminal system.”
Boss got involved with Le Chéile through the Boardmatch service provided by the Irish Rugby Union Players Association. Le Chéile’s current drive for volunteers – to mentor youths – has been tackled with the same drive that has brought him success on the rugby field.
“I haven’t been a mentor yet,” says Boss, “but I have done a lot of work, through rugby workshops and coaching visits, with schools.”
Getting involved as a volunteer, he says, could not be simpler, or more rewarding.
“Anyone can be a mentor,” Boss declares.
If you are interested in volunteering, email volunteer@lecheile.ie, find them on Twitter or check out the Le Chéile website.
