The value of volunteering in sport
There are currently over 2.9 million Australians contributing their time, skills and experience volunteering in sport each year (Ausplay 2023).
People that choose to volunteer in sport experience a range of positive health and social benefits including:
- New friendships
- Part of a community
- Gain new skills
- Build confidence
- Spending time with family
- Sense of purpose and giving back
- Enjoyment and fun
Reimaging volunteering - A framework for change
With changing expectations, technology, competing demands and ways of living, a framework for change was created by the ASC to assist clubs in creating a people first approach in attracting and empowering volunteers.
The framework is made up of five key principles, all of which you can consider when looking to attract and manage your volunteers. Access the report here
- Make it easy to get involved - Think about how someone can reach out to your organisation and make sure contact details and tasks/roles are communicated clearly.
- Tailor roles to support my needs - Consider how you can remove barriers to support volunteers to get and stay involved.
- Support me - Ensure your volunteers feel ready and supported in their role with education, training and regular check ins.
- Create value for me, the club and community - Showcase and celebrate how your volunteers are supporting your organisation and community
- Make it feel like I belong - Make sure to include volunteering in regular communications, social events and recognition activities