Sports Volunteering - Case Studies

Paul Griffin

Volunteering can shape your Future

Paul is a student at Glasgow University and he began volunteering with Voluntary Action LeicesterShire in 2008 as he loves sport and was also keen to get some volunteering experience.  He proved to be a fantastic volunteer , he was always keen to try new experiences, willing to give new roles a go, and was more than happy to help out in a wide range of volunteering roles. He was even coaxed into speaking about his volunteering experiences at a Sports Volunteering Information event at Loughborough University. Paul was also nominated for volunteer of the year 2008. Volunteering has obviously been a very positive experience for Paul, so much so that he is planning to write his final year university dissertation on a volunteering theme.

“Volunteering provided me with an opportunity to use skills I had already acquired through previous courses and coaching, and I really enjoyed the chance to work with groups and individuals and see them really appreciate what we were doing. I think that voluntary opportunities can provide valuable experience for people, as taking courses and qualifications is worthless unless you have the chance to use them. I also developed personally because of the variety of volunteering that I did. I learned new skills and how to deal with different people and different situations. I am definitely going to continue volunteering”

Achievement Project Case Study

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire

Emma is a student from Loughborough College and is a great example of how volunteering can really help you to achieve your goals. Emma is really keen to pursue a career in sport and when she started to build up her skills and gain qualifications she quickly realised that she would need practical experience to back these up. She came to Voluntary Action LeicesterShire a year or so ago to look for volunteering roles which would allow her to gain experience and put her skills to use. She volunteered as a football referee, in fencing, in disability sports, in primary school events, and much more.

“ My volunteering has vastly improved my confidence when coaching independently.”- Emma

Emma was also able to access several training courses through Voluntary Action LeicesterShire, and her fantastic skill base combined with her volunteering experiences have helped her to find a part time job in sport while still studying at college.

“I particularly enjoyed volunteering in disability sport. It was a really positive experience and gave me a great insight into the disadvantages and prejudices that people with disabilities face in sport.”- Emma

“Emma is a fantastic volunteer, she is always willing to try new sports and take on different challenges. She is punctual, friendly, reliable and I know she will make a difference wherever she volunteers” –Joanne McCarthy, Volunteering in Sport Development Officer VAL