Why volunteering matters
Volunteering is an important part of personal and professional development, especially for students. In the sport and physical activity sector, volunteering offers unique benefits that can shape your future career and personal growth. Whether you’re passionate about coaching, event management or fitness instruction, volunteering provides invaluable experiences that can set you apart in a competitive field.
Key benefits of volunteering
Skill development
Volunteering in sport and physical activity environments allows you to develop essential skills:
Leadership
Leading teams, organising activities and managing events
Communication
Interacting with participants, colleagues and stakeholders
Teamwork
Collaborating with others to achieve common goals
Problem-solving
Handling unexpected challenges and finding solutions
Time management
Balancing volunteer duties with academic and personal responsibilities
Networking opportunities
Volunteering opens doors to connect with professionals in the sport and physical activity sector. Building a network can lead to a range of great opportunities:
Mentorship
Guidance from experienced professionals who can offer career advice
Job opportunities
Connections that may lead to internships or job offers
Professional relationships
Long-term relationships that can support your career growth
Real-world learning
Volunteering in sport and physical activity can provide you with useful knowledge to help shape your future career:
Practical experience
Gain hands-on experience is crucial for students. When volunteering, you can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Insight into career paths
Understand different roles and career options within the sector.
CV enhancement
Add relevant experience that can demonstrate your skills and knowledge to future employers.
Personal growth
Beyond professional benefits, volunteering fosters personal development:
Confidence
Build self-esteem through successful volunteer experiences
Empathy
Understand and support diverse groups of people.
Community engagement
Feel connected and contribute to the wellbeing of your community.
How to get started
Finding volunteer opportunities
There are plenty of organisations that rely on volunteers for support in their sport and physical activity services, offering a wide range of opportunities to get involved:
Local sports clubs and organisations
Many local clubs need volunteers for coaching, event planning and administrative tasks
Schools and universities
Check with your institution for opportunities related to physical education programmes and campus events
Non-profit organisations
Groups focused on health, fitness and community sports often seek dedicated volunteers
Making the most of your volunteering
To really benefit from your volunteering experience, it’s important to keep a few key actions in mind from the start:
Set clear goals
Determine what you want to achieve through volunteering to guide your decisions
Be proactive
Take initiative and seek out responsibilities that align with your interests
Reflect on experiences
Regularly assess what you’ve learned and how it applies to your career aspirations
Stay committed
Being consistently reliable and dedicated are key to making a positive impact