THE SPORTS VOLUNTEER SCHEME is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with sporting events within the local community. The scheme has many benefits for both students and staff at the university. As well as looking good on your CV, it is also free and open to anyone regardless of sporting ability. All volunteers need to be is keen, enthusiastic and enjoy working in a team environment.
The SVS covers a wide range of sports from the more popular football and rugby to fencing and even cheerleading! Within these sports, volunteers provide coaching, amongst other things, at after school clubs as well as one off events such as local rugby sevens tournaments and Sale Shark camps. Many events provide the experience of working with children, which can be very rewarding.
There is no pressure on the amount of time that has to be given up for the scheme, that is purely up to the volunteer with most giving up one to two hours a week. The more hours that are put in, the more beneficial it is for the volunteer. Students at the university can even qualify for the recognition of contribution to sport award if they volunteer over 50 hours in a year. Training is provided by the scheme and volunteers have an opportunity to undertake coaching qualifications that it can even fund. Travel to any event is reimbursed by the scheme but volunteers can usually find work close to their residence.
Michael Sacucci is an example of how the SVS can catapult a volunteer into the sporting community. After applying at the end of his first year, Michael is now employed, on a part time basis, by both the Manchester Grammar School, as a coach, and by the Directorate of Sport in a rugby development role. Not only has the scheme improved Sacucci’s knowledge and understanding of the game, it has given him employment within a field that he has a great interest.
Sacucci said: “I'd definitely recommend that others get involved in the SVS. Really getting involved results in making like-minded friends and the opportunity to take on further responsibilities at the University or within the community. I like to think I'm making a positive impact on the lives of the kids I coach and the people I come into contact with as a result my involvement with the scheme.”
There are many other success stories within the SVS with coaches even being recognised by their clubs for their coaching abilities. If you want to get involved with the SVS then application forms can be found both online and in the sport office at William Kay house. Mandatory training (such as basic first aid and protecting children) occurs at several dates for the volunteer during their initial application. Once this has been completed, training which is specific to their sport is available and the volunteer has a chance to complete coaching qualifications. With many benefits and many sports represented, the sports volunteer scheme could just be a perfect way for you to get involved with sport at university.
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