Celebrating our Volunteers in North Glos this National Volunteer Week

For National Volunteer Week, Sport and Faith Coach Victoria caught up with two of our brilliant young leaders, Jamie and Fin, to hear about their experiences volunteering with Sportily North Glos — and to find out what keeps them coming back for more!

Small but mighty is how I would describe the Sportily North Glos Team — and with all its quirks and nuances, it’s a fantastic team to be part of!

What makes our team particularly exciting are the volunteers and young leaders who generously give up their time to help out at sessions. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, I chatted with two of our long-standing young leaders, Jamie (17) and Fin (17).

How long have you been involved with Sportily?

Jamie: About 2 years.

Fin: Almost 5 years.

How did you first get involved with Sportily?

Fin: I went along to a Saturday football session in Churchdown, which was run by Nathan — the legend — and it just went from there. It was always a great session, lots of energy, and loads of fun.

Jamie: Fin mentioned the football session, so I went along to give it a go — and it was cool. 

What do you like about volunteering and being a young leader with Sportily?

Fin: I love being able to play sport and meet new people in the area — coaches and young people too. It’s great building relationships, seeing young people at holiday clubs and then at community sessions as well.

Jamie: I think what I like most is that the sessions aren’t always the same. We get involved in a wide variety of stuff — from breakfast cafés to holiday clubs and community events. Plus, I just really enjoy it!

What would you say to someone looking to get involved with Sportily?

Fin: Don’t be scared to get involved — just give it a go. The teams are welcoming and really fun to be a part of.

What has Sportily done for you?

Fin: Sportily believes in my passion for football and sport, and they’ve supported me in obtaining coaching badges, helping me develop my prospects and experiences.

Jamie: When I leave school, I’m interested in the apprenticeship programme that Sportily offers. Even though it’s still a year or so away, they’ve already been encouraging me and supporting me to build the experience and skills I’ll need to follow that path.

If you could run any type of session within North Glos, what would it be?

Jamie: A football tournament — but I’m also really keen to add more sessions for over-18s and young adults in the area.

Fin: A finger golf club with an annual tournament! 

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A huge thank you to all our volunteers — from young leaders to long-standing legends — for the energy, heart and dedication you bring to Sportily. You make everything we do possible, and we’re so proud to have you as part of the team!

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering — whether it’s helping at one-off community events, supporting weekly sessions, or simply bringing a friendly face and a cuppa, we’d love to hear from you! Click here to find out how you can get involved.