Providing access to sport across the region

Volunteering

Volunteering is imperative for sport. Many clubs rely on volunteers so it is important to acknowledge the benefits gained. However, it is a two way process where both the club and the volunteer should benefit.

Why choose to be a volunteer?

  • Gain experience
  • Develop interpersonal and technical skills
  • New qualifications
  • Enhance your CV
  • Enjoyment for sport
  • Meet new people
  • Give something back to the local community
  • Personal achievement

How to become a volunteer

  • Community Volunteers Award
  • Keep in close contact with local sporting initiatives
  • Search for volunteering opportunities using websites and find your local volunteer bureau (see the Volunteer Development England website)

How does your club recruit volunteers?

  • Start looking in plenty of time
  • Appoint a volunteer coordinator from your club
  • Define the job and why it is important
  • State the numbers of hours work
  • Number of volunteers required
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Skills and qualifications needed
  • Skills developed
  • State the benefits for the volunteer
  • Advertise using local media
  • Promote the club so people what to invest time and effort
  • Recruitment leaflets/posters for schools, colleges and universities

How to retain volunteers?

  • Inductions to meet everyone in the club
  • Motivation e.g. set objectives so they have something to achieve
  • Incentives
  • Support and guidance e.g. use a sports volunteer action/support plan.
  • Have a volunteering profile for members to complete
  • Thank and appreciate volunteers
  • Feedback to the volunteer
  • Training opportunities

Where to find Volunteers

Internal volunteers

  • Ask people to volunteer such as parents and relatives of those participating
  • Information leaflet about jobs that need to be done
  • Word of mouth, notice boards, newsletters to publicise for more volunteers

External volunteers

  • Use local media for sporting activities and advertise volunteer opportunities
  • Contact schools, colleges and universities
  • Students undergoing training
  • All ages, abilities and skills
  • Contact your local bureau to advertise volunteering opportunities
  • P.E. professionals, teachers and school

Volunteering Experiences

"Volunteering is valuable to both you and the organisation you are working for. You gain essential real life experience as well as giving something back to your community."