Volunteers have a vital role to play in sport in this country, the contribution made by volunteers to sport each year is estimated to be worth around £1.5 billion. Central Government has now recognised the need to help sport develop its volunteers from grass roots to national level. The England Golf Partnership has also identified that the work done by golf volunteers within our game means that the sport would not exist in its present format without the hard work that the estimated 50,000 volunteers do each year. That is why a volunteer strategy has been developed, to recognise and support these people and to help us recruit more. This will ensure that the sport continues to grow.
What do sports volunteers do?
Most sports volunteers rarely use the term 'volunteer' to describe their activities, they see themselves as club personnel, event organisers, club captains, chairman, junior organisers or artisans. Behind the scenes there are treasurers, committee members, planners, researchers, IT website managers, journalists and photographers. In short, there is a vast array of roles supporting and surrounding golf, without which the game would not be able to function.
Top Tips to becoming a Golf Volunteer
- Think about what you want from your volunteering experience. Perhaps you’re looking for an opportunity where you’ll make new friends, or gain work experience or new skills? Maybe it will be the chance to contribute to a cause that’s motivating you? ‘Do a favour’ for the local golf club or school.
- Think about what you have to offer. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What would you like to learn? You may have skills and qualifications that you can put to use within your local club.
- There are no age limits to volunteering, but there can sometimes be difficulties for people under 16 due to to lack of support and guidance from some clubs. If you have any concerns, ask the County Golf Development Officer (CDO) nearest to you.
- The range of opportunities to volunteer is huge by contacting your local CDO to talk about your volunteering; they will be able to find you a suitable club which will be easy for you to get to. Also check out some example role descriptions to get an idea of what might be available.
- What next? Once a club has been found you will need to meet with the club's volunteer co-ordinator to chat through what you want to do and what it is they need. They will probably show you around the club and introduce you to some other volunteers and members.
- Good practice means that the club will ask you to complete a Criminal Records Bureau check (CRB) before you begin your role and ask to see any relevant certificates (UKCC, safeguarding etc). Don’t let this put you off in any way; the England Golf Partnership actively encourages all clubs to recruit in a safe and effective way. Good practice means that you should complete a role agreement with the volunteer co-ordinator which could include the following:
- agreed roles and tasks to be carried out
- how often? (once a week, every other week)
- how long you will undertake this role for?
- who your contact is within the club
- how to claim out of pocket expenses
- any additional training that you might like to undertake
Job Opportunities:
For other vacancies within Disabled Golf, please follow this link to the Disable Golf Society - http://www.disabledgolfsociety.com/vacancies-volunteers/
Click Here For Other Advertised Volunteering Opportunities In Sussex
