Sports Volunteer
Samantha Hockney, 3rd year English and Media
Why I got involved
The Sports Volunteer Programme appealed to me due to the wide range of opportunities available. I wanted to get involved and to give something back to the community where I live as a student. I was attracted by the benefits and flexibility of the Programme; I wanted to enhance my CV, increase my skill base and meet new people. The scheme just seemed like the ideal way to do all those things whilst having lots of fun.
Main roles and activities
As a volunteer I am mainly involved with the Princes Trust Programme, however I have also been involved with organising and implementing charity events and a variety of multi-sport events at the Sports Centre.
Most enjoyable aspect
I really enjoy meeting new people and working with a diverse range of people on a daily basis. Being a sports volunteer is never dull, there is always some new exciting opportunity to get involved with, the opportunity to meet new people, to try something different, or just to work alongside your friends. I love the challenges we tackle on a daily basis and having the opportunity to experience new activities, like snow tubing, I otherwise would never have been exposed to.
Most rewarding aspect
I recently gained my level 3 coaching qualification which is recognised by a national governing body. Achieving a qualification like this is extremely rewarding, I feel like I have really achieved something which will enhance my employability and ability to work with children in the future. It is really rewarding to feel like you are giving something back to the community. The scheme allows you to help people experience sports, lead a healthy lifestyle and escape their sometimes difficult surroundings. I am very proud to say that I have been involved with the Sports Volunteer Programme.
Fitting it around my degree
It’s extremely easy, the programme is so flexible that you can literally pick and chose which events you want to be involved with. Being involved with the programme has actually impacted on my degree in a positive way as I have become more focused, determined to succeed and organised with my studies.
How I've benefited
I have become more aware of the local community and more patient and understanding of diverse groups within society. My communication skills have improved dramatically along with my ability to work within a team and on my own incentive. These skills will undoubtedly help me in my future career.
Find out how you could become a sports volunteer.
