What have you done today to make yourself proud?
ASPIRE to put something back, learn new skills AND make a difference…
Volunteering is extremely rewarding, it is for everyone, and you do not need previous experience to take part. Anyone aged 14 or older can volunteer within sport.
There are many current volunteering opportunities within sport, that are link to the Sports Development Service and beyond.
Volunteers are defined as individuals responsible for co-ordinating and managing other volunteers, or for undertaking an administrative role within their sports club/organisation.
What can I expect from volunteering?
By becoming an Aspire volunteer, you can expect many opportunities from the programme including:
- Advice and guidance from your volunteer co-ordinator.
- Mentor and buddy support at your placement.
- The profile of volunteers raised in the community
- The opportunity to use your voluntary work as a way of gaining skills and work experience.
- Continuous development pathway to accredited training.
- The opportunity to improve your prospects for further education or employment.
What will I be doing?
You do not need to be sporty to be a sports volunteer! There are plenty of opportunities for you to be involved such as:
- Coaching
- Sports leaders
- Competition officials
- Administrators
- Fundraiser
- Welfare Officer
- 'Behind the scenes' volunteer
- Registration at events
- Steward
The Sports Development Service co-ordinate many projects and events that volunteers could be part of. Some examples of opportunities include:
- Disability Sport – Holiday sports activities for young people, term time activities such as football, tag rugby and tennis, and monthly Sports Zone sessions.
- SPORTSfest – we work closely with Cambridge School Sports Partnership who provide young sports leaders to assist at this popular multi sports event.
- SPORTSfest+ - organised in partnership with Netherhall Sports Centre, Chesterton Sports Centre and Manor Sports Centre, by linking with key clubs based at each facility to offer taster sessions for young people.
- Street Games - working in partnership with the City Council’s CHYPPS team in promoting Street Games, we organise informal neighbourhood based sports activities for young people. Activities include football, tennis, cricket and basketball.
- Community Sports Coach Scheme – we employ four community sports coaches in the following sports: cricket, hockey, badminton and volleyball. These coaches coach within schools in the Cambridge city area and also work closely with the local sports clubs to develop effective school club links.
- Skills 4 Sport – Following community consultation, we have now developed this scheme, which aims to create multi sport opportunities for three distinct age groups: 5 - 8 year olds, 12 - 15 year olds and 16 years plus. Volunteers are placed depending on their sporting interest and are mentored by the lead coach of the session.
How can I get involved?
- Download and complete the attached Aspire registration form.
- We will then contact you and send out a volunteer pack containing information such as role descriptions, volunteering opportunities and accreditation schemes.
- Your volunteer co-ordinator will invite you to a volunteer induction session. You must attend an induction session before you volunteer. These are held several times throughout the year.
- Start volunteering!
Want more information? Contact the Sports Development Service on 01223 457543 or email sportsdevelopment@cambridge.gov.uk
Does your club/school/event need volunteers?
The Aspire programme aims to provide links between clubs, volunteering organisations and volunteers. If you are searching for volunteers, please contact the Sports Development Service, on the above phone number or email, and we can add your details to the database of opportunities.
We also work closely with Living Sport, who actively link Step into Sport volunteers from local FE colleges and schools to the scheme.
The Sports Development Service also links with Cambridge University, Anglia Ruskin University and Cambridge Regional College to identify potential volunteers to place within the community.
Want t to know more about volunteering within sport?
There is lots more information regarding sports volunteering at the RunningSports website.