Stride into Sport encourages Victorians to make new memories this winter through local sport and recreation. Not only are there plenty of opportunities to play, but also a range of volunteer roles to help people get involved and give back to their communities.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of grassroots sport, and there are many benefits of helping out in community sport and recreation, such as connecting with others over shared interests, meeting new friends, and feeling a sense of belonging.
Volunteering in local sport can be incredibly fulfilling, and there are a lot of ways to support grassroots clubs and competitions. Take a look at all the options to Stride into Sport as a volunteer this winter!
On The Field
If you want to be part of the on-field action, volunteer coaching and officiating roles may be perfect for you. Many community competitions, particularly beginner and junior leagues, are looking for volunteer officials to support athletes and ensure fun, fair games for everyone involved.
Scoring and Administration
Some sports may require scorers on the sidelines to keep track of results, and there are plenty of other opportunities to assist with administration, too. Whether you’re familiar with the sport or just want to lend a hand with registration and other admin tasks, your local club would be lucky to have you.
Club Committees
You can also give your time as a committee member leading local sporting clubs and active recreation organisations. Clubs need presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and general committee members to oversee operations and set participants up for success. Your professional experience can prove invaluable to community sport and recreation.
Social Media
Speaking of professional expertise, if you are social media savvy, your local sporting club may love to have your help with digital communication. Community sport organisations often have limited resources, so having someone who can take the lead on club comms through social media and websites will make a big difference.
Fundraising and Sponsorship
Another way to give back to community sport and recreation is by helping your local club with fundraising and sponsorship. If you’re interested in planning events and fostering community connections, you could volunteer as the fundraiser coordinator for a club near you.
First Aid
Clubs and active recreation organisations also benefit from a First Aid Coordinator. In this volunteer role, you will manage First Aid services and equipment, ensuring kits are fully stocked for training and competitions. You may also coordinate First Aid training and refresher courses for club volunteers.
Equipment
Club volunteers can help organise and maintain equipment, ensuring teams have what they need and are ready to go on training and game days. If you want to make new memories hanging around the club and creating a positive experience for athletes, this is a great way to do so.
Maintenance
From maintaining grounds to cleaning clubrooms, volunteers help community sport run safely and smoothly. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated before and after training sessions and matches, and you will get the chance to make new friends working alongside fellow volunteers.
Canteen Support
Last but not least, another way to volunteer in community sport and active recreation is by helping in the canteen. You will get to greet players and supporters with a smile and enjoy the great atmosphere at local sporting matches, while helping your club generate much-needed funds to support operations.
Stride into Sport and Volunteer This Winter!
As you can see, community sport cannot function without volunteers. There are so many ways to get involved and give back to local sport and active recreation. If you’re ready to Stride into Sport, become a volunteer or contact your Regional Sports Assembly to discuss opportunities available in your area.
Click HERE for practical tools and resources to make volunteering easier at your club with the Thrive with Support initiative.
Stay tuned to our website for more volunteer stories and opportunities.
The Stride into Sport 2024 winter campaign has a particular focus on promoting volunteers to return to sport, made possible through a grant jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
