Some people join a rugby club to play. Others stay because it becomes part of who they are.

For Charles Binns, Derby Rugby Club has been exactly that. From arriving as a determined young Mini after a PE teacher spotted his fearless tackling, to becoming Head of Juniors, coach, referee and committee member, Charles has spent much of his life helping shape the club that first helped shape him.

Away from rugby, Charles is a devoted family man. Married to Emma for 20 years, he is the proud father of Poppy (17) and Adam (18) and describes himself as someone who loves spending time with family and friends or tinkering with things. Whether it's plumbing, electrical work, plastering, building projects or even removing a car engine, he's happiest when learning something new.

"I've always been fascinated by how things work," he says.

That curiosity extends into his professional life too currently working for an artificial intelligence company called BMC Helix, a US software company, Charles has spent his career in IT after finishing university. 

"I'm 50 now and I still get excited about going to work every day. In many ways, it's just like coming to Derby RFC."

Charles first arrived at Derby Rugby Club as a Mini after a memorable incident at school.

"My PE teacher sent me down after I levelled one of the big lads on the rugby pitch. I was probably only five stone soaking wet at the time, but he clearly thought rugby was the right outlet for me."

The club quickly became a huge part of his childhood before university, work and life naturally took him in different directions. It wasn't until years later, when he brought his son Adam along to the Minis, that Charles found himself back where it all began.

"It worked better than I ever hoped. He made friends for life and they're still constantly together today."

From there, one role quickly led to another. Coaching, refereeing, volunteering and eventually becoming Head of Juniors all followed.

"I've never really looked back."

Ask Charles what keeps him coming back year after year and the answer comes without hesitation.

"The people. The sense of belonging. Derby RFC feels like family."

As Head of Juniors, no two weekends are ever the same. One moment he's welcoming visiting clubs, the next he's helping coaches, organising fixtures, supporting parents, solving problems, tying the odd shoelace, clearing pitches or even chopping down the occasional tree.

"It's all about making sure every young player has a safe, enjoyable and positive rugby experience."

It's a role that comes with plenty of challenges. Managing fixtures, volunteers, communication, safeguarding, kit and pitch allocations requires constant organisation, but Charles says the rewards make every minute worthwhile.

"Watching children grow in confidence, build friendships and develop into fantastic young people is incredibly special."

For Charles, junior rugby is about far more than producing future first-team players.

"The rugby values are obvious.  Teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. But rugby also builds resilience, confidence and humility. It teaches young people how to look after each other and importantly, how to laugh. Rugby builds people, not just players."

That philosophy has helped the junior section flourish over recent years.

The club has grown significantly, with more players, more volunteers, stronger coaching and an increasingly vibrant community atmosphere. Charles is particularly excited by the continued growth of girls' rugby.

"It's fantastic to see and I can't wait to watch it develop even further over the coming seasons."

Although winning trophies is always enjoyable, the moments Charles treasures most don't involve silverware.

"It's seeing shy children become confident young adults."

It's also deeply personal. His son grew up through the playing ranks, while daughter Poppy began volunteering before securing a part-time job at the club.

"They've both found their place here."

When injuries eventually brought Charles' playing days to an end, picking up a whistle felt like the perfect way to continue contributing.

"My body doesn't heal quite like it used to."

Supported by Derby RFC through his referee qualifications, Charles discovered an entirely new appreciation for the game.

"Refereeing teaches you about the flow of rugby, the laws, calm decision making and just how important respect really is."

His advice to players and parents is simple.

"Remember we're all human, we can't see everything, we're all learning and we're all there to help the game happen. Respect makes rugby what it is."

Like many referees, Charles has accumulated his fair share of amusing stories.

One friendly between Derby and Long Eaton stands out more than most. Throughout the match he repeatedly (and entirely accidentally) called Long Eaton "Ilkeston."

Hold the 10 metres, Ilkeston... 
No hands, Ilkeston... 
Thank you, Ilkeston...

Eventually, after issuing a yellow card to a frustrated Long Eaton player, the player couldn't resist pointing it out.

"Can you stop calling us Ilkeston? We're Long Eaton."

Charles replied, "If I say you're Ilkeston, you're Ilkeston. Are we understood?"

Not wanting to risk turning yellow into red, the player quickly responded, "Yes sir, no problem sir."

After the game, the pair shared a laugh over a drink in the clubhouse, with Charles thanking the player for the respect he had shown. Another example of rugby's unique values.

For Charles, volunteering is simply about giving something back.

"The club gave me so much growing up. Over the years I've seen rugby transform the confidence of children with all sorts of personalities, anxieties and challenges and now it's doing the same for my own children."

He also knows just how much happens behind the scenes.

"People would be amazed."

From safeguarding and administration to pitch preparation, food, fixtures, coaching and cleaning. Countless volunteers quietly keep the club running every single week.

"They're the heartbeat of Derby RFC. Without volunteers, nothing happens."

His message to anyone considering getting involved couldn't be clearer.

"Just do it. Whether you can spare five minutes or five hours, it all makes a difference. You'll make friends, make a real impact and become part of something much bigger than yourself. The amazing thing is there's something for everyone."

Looking ahead, Charles believes the future of Derby Rugby Club is incredibly bright.

His hopes include continued growth in girls' rugby, attracting more coaches and volunteers, strengthening links with local schools, businesses and the wider community and of course, creating even better opportunities for young players.

In five years' time, he'd love to see Derby RFC thriving at every level with youngsters progressing all the way from Minis through to senior rugby.

"I want us to be known as one of the most inclusive, welcoming and family-friendly rugby clubs in the region."

When asked about his favourite rugby players, Charles admits it's impossible to choose just one. He grew up watching Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott and Martin Johnson and today enjoys watching players such as Antoine Dupont, Matthieu Jalibert, Finn Russell, Dan Sheehan, Tom Curry and Sam Underhill.

His favourite rugby ground, apart from Derby RFC of course, is Twickenham, although he admits the Principality Stadium comes close. As "a Scot at heart", visiting Murrayfield remains high on his bucket list.

His most-used phrase on the touchline?

"Offside!"

And if he had to sum up Derby Rugby Club in just one word?

"Family."

After spending time talking with Charles, it's hard to think of a better description. Not just of the club, but of the community he has helped build over so many years.

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