Sport England’s November 2018/19 Active Lives Adult Survey report revealed that 6 million adults had given their time at least twice in the last year to help make sport and physical activity happen. Without these volunteers most activity simply wouldn’t take place, but why do people volunteer in the first place?
For younger people, volunteering helps build teamworking, planning and soft skills that are increasingly important to employers and look good on a CV. The added responsibility that often comes when running events is another positive mark that can be cited when applying for jobs.
People who are a little older often gain satisfaction by introducing and helping younger players in their chosen sport', and it can provide a welcome distraction from their normal day job. Volunteering can show that you're a more rounded individual, nurtures new skills and can offer a sense of teamwork that may be missing in your work. Older volunteers often find that it helps keep them fit while giving them another interest.
Whatever your age, you'll expand your social circle and get a 'feelgood' buzz, knowing that you're helping others, boosting your own mental wellbeing.