{"id":32430,"date":"2022-12-07T16:27:28","date_gmt":"2022-12-07T16:27:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/?post_type=blog_post&#038;p=32430"},"modified":"2022-12-08T16:07:52","modified_gmt":"2022-12-08T16:07:52","slug":"volunteering-in-sport-explained","status":"publish","type":"blog_post","link":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/blog-post\/volunteering-in-sport-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Volunteering in sport explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"32430\" class=\"elementor elementor-32430\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-60ff18d0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"60ff18d0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3d7fe596\" data-id=\"3d7fe596\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1738b7db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1738b7db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.6.8 - 27-07-2022 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#818a91;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#818a91;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Volunteering in sport is a team effort that benefits all<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In this post-lockdown world and time of economic turmoil, it\u2019s never been more important for people to feel a strong sense of purpose, community and upskilling. Sport England\u2019s 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\u2019t be a better time to get involved. But what are the motivating factors and how to overcome the obstacles?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32431 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13.png\" alt=\"coach volunteering\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13.png 1200w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13-624x328.png 624w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-13-600x315.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p><h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the benefits of volunteering in sport?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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: \u201cFellow officials are a good laugh, and I appreciate the athletes thanking me.\u201d 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!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s 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\u2019t. Combine sport and volunteering, and you\u2019re 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\u2019t even know where to start, it\u2019s a great place <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> start; developing new essential life skills, adding to their CV, maybe even the beginning of a new profession in sport.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32432 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14.png\" alt=\"coach volunteering at girls football \" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14.png 1200w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14-1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14-624x328.png 624w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Blog-images-14-600x315.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p><h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Extending your team family<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u2019ll 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\u2019ll get out of it.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to the Sport and Recreation Alliance, \u201cBudgets 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.\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Level up your volunteering game<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:2,&quot;335551620&quot;:2,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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 \u2013 recruiting, retaining and rewarding volunteers on top of players can feel like just another thing to do. And then there\u2019s 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\u2019t have to feel like an insurmountable challenge when you\u2019re equipped with the right knowledge.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Maybe you\u2019ve offered volunteering opportunities for some time or it could be that it\u2019s 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\u2019s best to get it right first time by following a clear and approved structure from experts such as those at Accelerate Sport and eCoach.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u2019ll:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><ul><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn some of the barriers to volunteering. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider your club\u2019s current volunteering structure.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Learn some practical ways to recruit and retain new volunteers.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Follow simple and memorisable strategies to work efficiently.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Understand the volunteering landscape in the UK.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Explore the role of volunteer coordinator.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider how you can best support volunteers.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Discover the benefits of micro volunteering.<\/span><\/li><li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create a club volunteer culture statement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32433 size-full alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39.png 1920w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39-624x351.png 624w, https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/course-preview-intro-slides-39-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To discuss your interest in the courses email <\/span><\/b><a href=\"mailto:sian@e-coach.co.uk\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">sian@e-coach.co.uk<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Find out about Accelerating Volunteering in Sport \u2013 Level 1<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Find out about Accelerating Volunteering in Sport \u2013 Level 2<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p>Accelerate sport and it&#8217;s courses are created by <a href=\"http:\/\/e-coach.co.uk\">eCoach.<\/a><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/\">HOME<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Volunteering in sport is a team effort that benefits all\u00a0 In this post-lockdown world and time of economic turmoil, it\u2019s never been more important for&hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":32432,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","tags":[],"blog-category":[99,106],"class_list":["post-32430","blog_post","type-blog_post","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blog-category-blog","blog-category-volunteering"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_post\/32430","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_post"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog_post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=32430"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog_post\/32430\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=32430"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=32430"},{"taxonomy":"blog-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accelerate.sport\/welsh\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-category?post=32430"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}