Volunteering in sport is a team effort that benefits all
In this post-lockdown world and time of economic turmoil, it’s never been more important for people to feel a strong sense of purpose, community and upskilling. Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey found that 6.2 million adults give up their time at least twice a year to help keep sport and physical activity going. But despite that incredible motivation and generosity, volunteer numbers are still on the decline. The European Skills Survey on Sport Volunteering, which closed earlier this year, confirmed the need for sport organisations to get support with recruitment, management, retention, and training of volunteers. This couldn’t be a better time to get involved. But what are the motivating factors and how to overcome the obstacles?
What are the benefits of volunteering in sport?
Getting out and volunteering provides not only a sense of belonging and new friendships for people who may have found themselves a little isolated and redundant, but a sense of pride in keeping busy by giving back in a vibrant community. Rewards and regional or national awards across the sporting sector are also up for grabs and show just how valued volunteers really are. As one official who scooped an award at the England Athletics Volunteer Awards this year put it: “Fellow officials are a good laugh, and I appreciate the athletes thanking me.” But did you know that the benefits of volunteering in sports not only serve the volunteers, team and local community, but the reputation of the sport too? It even contributes billions to the UK economy!
It’s clear that sport improves both the physical and mental health of players and athletes, but volunteers (in any sector) are over 80% more likely to have better health than people who don’t. Combine sport and volunteering, and you’re onto a winner! The wonderful thing about volunteering is that anyone can play a part, no special skills, talent or experience are required; there really is something for everyone. Roles from washing kits to marshalling at events, fundraising to coaching, nothing is off the table. And even if people feel like they wouldn’t even know where to start, it’s a great place to start; developing new essential life skills, adding to their CV, maybe even the beginning of a new profession in sport.
Extending your team family
So who might choose to offer their services on their own free will? Well for starters, sports lovers, parents and partners of players, those who enjoy working with young people or in their local community, and people in between jobs are just some of the many people who choose to volunteer in sports. Within those categories, they’ll all have their own host of reasons why they want to get involved. They just need to understand how to apply, be given clear expectations of what roles are on offer and be shown what they’ll get out of it.
According to the Sport and Recreation Alliance, “Budgets for community sport, recreation and physical activity programmes are ending, directly affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. Grassroots clubs, community organisations and schools are having to absorb rising costs by reducing provision and raising fees.” The greater the force behind your team and sport, the more people will get involved, sing its praises and keep alive its importance in an ever-changing world. Having a strong voluntary team behind your sport will keep it alive but also contribute to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people in your community.
Level up your volunteering game
Running a club takes a lot of hard work and teamwork. No team should ever feel shy about relying on the support of volunteers who are willing to lend a hand. But even that takes work – recruiting, retaining and rewarding volunteers on top of players can feel like just another thing to do. And then there’s working out how to convince people to give up their time for free and getting past those hurdles like a lack of confidence and being too busy. But it doesn’t have to feel like an insurmountable challenge when you’re equipped with the right knowledge.
Maybe you’ve offered volunteering opportunities for some time or it could be that it’s brand new to you. As with everything that we do in life, volunteering opportunities can be improved and updated to keep up with the times, particularly taking into account the way the world is changing, especially post-COVID. Good intentions are a great start, but it’s best to get it right first time by following a clear and approved structure from experts such as those at Accelerate Sport and eCoach.
Accelerating Volunteering in Sport (Levels 1 and 2) are two in-depth but quick and easy online courses teaming with top tips on how to create a volunteering culture which will help clubs not only attract volunteers but support and reward them, so everyone is happy. Across this eLearning programme, which is spread across two levels to deepen your knowledge based on your needs, you’ll:
- Learn some of the barriers to volunteering.
- Consider your club’s current volunteering structure.
- Learn some practical ways to recruit and retain new volunteers.
- Follow simple and memorisable strategies to work efficiently.
- Understand the volunteering landscape in the UK.
- Explore the role of volunteer coordinator.
- Consider how you can best support volunteers.
- Discover the benefits of micro volunteering.
- Create a club volunteer culture statement.
To discuss your interest in the courses email [email protected]
Find out about Accelerating Volunteering in Sport – Level 1
Find out about Accelerating Volunteering in Sport – Level 2
Accelerate sport and it’s courses are created by eCoach.