We love our volunteers

It's National Volunteers Week and as a charity that couldn't do what we do without our volunteers, we wanted to share a story from Leigh, who started off as a volunteer and is now a proud trustee and vital part of the Sportily team.

Hear from her below:

Have you volunteered anywhere else before joining Sportily?

"I was the Group Scout leader for the first Stonehouse Scouts for ten years, as well as being an elected town councillor for five years where I sat on the business and finance committee as the deputy conveyancer, and as a member of the working parties for youth provision and recreation.

I also served as a director and trustee for All Pulling Together, a community hub located in Park Estate and held the role for 3 years having volunteered for 2 years prior."

What made you want to start volunteering for Sportily?

"I began volunteering for Psalms for 3 years before it became Sportily, and when I moved to Hunts Grove [from Stonehouse], I was asked if I would support Tim as a volunteer for the youth hangout."

Where do you volunteer and what do you do?

"I volunteer at Sportily youth hangout in Hunts Grove, which is located opposite my home at the local primary school.

It's been two years since I started volunteering with Sportily in Hunts Grove, and my role involves assisting with the general running of the sessions, interacting with the young people, and inquiring about their week."

What do you love about it?

"I enjoy working with young people in various capacities, as they possess a refreshing perspective that hasn't been tainted by life's experiences. Their enthusiasm and aspirations serve as a great source of motivation."

What made you decide to become a trustee and what new responsibilities do you have?

"I strongly believe that God led me to make this decision. The work that Sportily and its youth workers do significantly impacts the young people in our community, and I wanted to be more involved. I've taken on a supporting role where I can use my life experiences and achievements to make a positive difference whilst still being able to work full-time in my day job.

As a trustee, I have numerous responsibilities that I cannot list exhaustively. However, I can summarise by stating that my primary role entails ensuring that the youth in our community are mentored by individuals with high moral standards and Christian values as they strive to introduce God and the Christian faith through sports and communal interactions with children and young people."

Wow, doesn't that sound epic?

If you're interested in finding out more about becoming a part of the Sportily volunteering team, click here.

Volunteers, have you sent your RSVP to our summer gathering? We'd love to have you so make sure you let us know if you can make it. Please email hello@sportily.org.uk if you didn't receive an invite and you were expecting to.