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Recruiting, retaining and managing volunteers

Major sports events, such as the European Football Championship 2004 in Portugal or the Olympic Games 2004 in Athens, would be impossible without the help of volunteers. Volunteers are essential in the sport and recreation industry as they carry out almost 80% of all sport and recreation administration. Without volunteers many clubs could not function and many major events could not go ahead. Volunteers give up much time to clubs, and this is a measure of their commitment.

What motivates people to volunteer?

There are various reasons for volunteering, including self-interest, active citizenship, leisure experience, shared enthusiasm, family member support and altruism. Further, volunteers can gain a lot from giving their time to clubs, including new skills, improved social life and experience. Some will enjoy learning new skills and using their existing skills, whilst others get a sense of personal achievement from knowing that they make a difference.

Barriers to Volunteering

Some people say they cannot volunteer for various reasons. These include a lack of time, a lack of awareness of volunteering opportunities, a lack of confidence and too much bureaucracy. Some clubs might also overburden volunteers and fail to appreciate their efforts.

Overcoming barriers

You can break through volunteering barriers by providing excellent volunteer support to increase confidence, being flexible about time commitments and publicising more widely to improve awareness of your volunteering opportunities. Motivating volunteers includes showing them that they will learn new skills and may gain work experience and that they will be part of a team and build a network of contacts.

Attracting volunteers to your club

People choose how to spend their free time, so attracting them to volunteer at your club will not be easy. But here are some things you can do to make the task a little easier. You can advertise with interesting and clear job descriptions that highlight the benefits of volunteering at your club; make it easy to get involved and be enthusiastic!

Keeping your volunteers

Once you attract volunteers you have to give them a reason to stay. You could do this with a good team atmosphere, mutual respect between paid staff and volunteers, regular social events, recognition for volunteers and Knowledge sharing and empowerment.

Further information is available from Moranne Campbell, e-mail: moranne.campbell@hallaitken.co.uk, tel: 0141 225 5504

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