For many community sports organisations, volunteers are their lifeblood. Despite their reliance on volunteers’ commitment, skills and enthusiasm, 70% of sports groups and clubs report a shortage of volunteers. As sporting activities and opportunities are in full swing during the summer, there is no better time for your sports organisation to inspire new and existing volunteers. Debunk the ‘sporty’ stereotype, raise awareness of opportunities, and hop on the back of events.

Badminton England use TeamKinetic to manage their volunteers and events.

Not ‘Sporty’? Don’t Worry!

Engaging volunteers as a sports organisation is achievable when opportunities and messaging align. Volunteering can be intimidating when prospective volunteers are unaware of what an opportunity entails. TeamKinetic allows for detailed descriptions to be included on every opportunity. This way, your volunteer criteria are more likely to be met because volunteers are aware and reassured. 

Equally, a lack of confidence in their physical abilities is something that many people experience. This Girl Can found that 48% of women are worried that they are too unfit to be active this summer, and 40% are worried about being good enough at the activity. If your sports organisation is looking to expand your volunteer reach, ensure that your opportunities specify expectations. Transparent, inclusive messaging is an opportunity for your organisation to inspire those who do not typically consider themselves as ‘sporty’. Without pressure to perform, volunteers can enjoy the benefits of exercise. 

“You don’t have to be great at sport, or have always played it, to volunteer. Unless you’re doing a really technical role, like refereeing, you won’t need any specialist knowledge. If there’s an interesting club or event near you, go along and ask if you can help – chances are they will be delighted to see you.” 

Jennie, Sport England.

Your organisation can also offer a multitude of roles that do not involve physical activity. For example, spectator services. This way, those who want to ease into a sporting environment, or are unable to participate for whatever reason, can be welcomed and included.

Raising Awareness

Beyond identifying skill gaps, knowing how to fill them can be challenging. Do not forget to approach your current volunteers, especially if knowledge of your organisation would be desirable for the given role. Approaching existing volunteers is of benefit to both your organisation and volunteers because it helps to maintain the volunteers’ interest and sense of contribution. Once again, it is crucial to be transparent about what an opportunity entails. Especially in the context of sports, do not assume that volunteers are willing or capable of participating in all aspects of your organisation. 

When looking to inspire new volunteers, TeamKinetic is ideal for reaching those who can bring particular skills to your organisation. With TeamKinetic, your organisation can be linked with brokerage sites such as Do-it, Volunteering Scotland or Volunteering Wales. Linking with the UK’s national volunteering database Do-it, for example, allows opportunities to be promoted across a very large audience.

Make the Most of Events

Whether you’re a community sports organisation or a larger-scale sports organisation, you can jump on the back of major sporting events. Such events do not need to be related to the same sport as your organisation in order to unify, inspire and attract volunteers. It’s all about showcasing the power of sport. Local, low-cost involvement with major sports events helps to publicise your organisation. Don’t hesitate to shout about your small-scale events on social media, this can only raise awareness of your organisation!

Events you could consider organising include watch parties, taster sessions and tournaments. Your organisation could also consider partnering with other local sports organisations to celebrate major events. This is a great chance for volunteers to meet and for your organisation to seek out new volunteer-involved opportunities.

Upcoming events this summer include:

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