Become a volunteer

Become a volunteer

Our incredible team of volunteers possess a wide range of professional skills and lived experience to provide invaluable support to our members. With close to 3,000 groups in our network, volunteers leave a lasting impact to ensure groups survive so that young people thrive.

You will meet the inspirational faces of community groups across the UK and immerse yourself in their work.

You will be supported by your regional/national teams and central Volunteer Services team throughout your time with Sported and have the opportunity both to share and develop your own skills.

Our volunteers say that making a positive difference to our members is what they enjoy most about being part of Sported.

We know representation matters, which is why we want our volunteers to reflect the diversity of the community groups we work with.

We are actively encouraging applicants from ethnically diverse backgrounds and other minoritised groups to apply as we are currently under-represented in this space.

“Sported makes a genuine difference to local, grassroots groups and values and supports volunteers.

I am genuinely proud to be associated, and HIGHLY recommend it both as a voluntary opportunity and as a service.”

SPORTED VOLUNTEER

WHAT SKILLS DO I NEED?

We ask that you have at least 3 years of professional experiences in at least one of the following areas:

Evaluation and Impact

Facilities

Financial Management

Fundraising & Income Generation

Governance

Inclusion

Leadership Coaching

Marketing/PR

Planning (Business / Strategic)

Project Planning

Sports Development

Volunteer & Staff Management

Women and Girls

Other skills or lived experience that might be applicable

Any skills on top of these are an added bonus and we’d love to hear about them and how they can be utilised to support our network and the Sported team.

SPORTED VOLUNTEER SINCE 2020

Amira Graham

Why did you become a Sported volunteer?

I completely appreciate the importance of sport within our community. It is so important for not only our mental and physical health, but also for community cohesion. As someone who works as a solicitor in the charities and social enterprises sector, I felt that I could use my skills in a positive way to help and support sporting groups.

How have you supported Sported members?

I have assisted Sported members by providing governance support and advice on group structures. It is amazing to see Sported members excel!

What do you enjoy about volunteering with Sported and supporting community sports groups?

I always feel so inspired when I meet Sported members. I am in awe of all of the amazing work that Sported members do, and I am so grateful to be a part of their journey. I love meeting new people who all have a common goal in mind.

There are a number of ways  to provide support. With flexible time commitments, and opportunities to volunteer remotely, it’s even easier to get started supporting members across the UK. You’ll have the guidance of regional or national Sported staff teams, and support is available whenever you need it.

  • Short-term placements – Focused on one topic area or specific challenge, placements usually last about 6 sessions.
  • Long-term placements – Placements span a series of months and encompass multiple topics, or a single complex subject.
  • One-off support – Kickstarts are semi-structured, informal chats to learn more about a group’s strengths and challenges, and recommend a course of action.
  • Leadership coaching – Support group leaders develop their own leadership skills
  • Specific project work – focussed projects with specific timeframes and themes
  • Facilitating/delivering webinars – Inform and train members, volunteers and Sported staff across a variety of topics
  • Sported support – Help Sported create resources to share with the network

We are recruiting across the UK but are particularly keen to hear from people based in: East and West Midlands, Northern Ireland, North West England, and Yorkshire & Humber

To apply

  1. Complete the volunteer registration form
  2. A member of the team will be in touch to arrange an informal interview
  3. Your application will be reviewed by the Sported Team and your references will be contacted
  4. You will be invited to attend an induction training session, normally lasting 1-2 hours

If you need assistance at any point of the process, don’t hesitate to contact the Volunteer Services team: volunteer@sported.org.uk

Volunteers

I want to help

If you’re not sure or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch using the form: 

020 3848 4670 or email volunteer@sported.org.uk