Alongside being part of the local volunteering team, I also dedicate much of my spare time to volunteering within grassroots youth football. I volunteer as both a Club Secretary and a Divisional Secretary, helping to organise and support football opportunities for young people across the local area.
What started as a way to give back to the community has grown into a huge part of my life. I now help run a local football club with around 200 players across 17 teams, competing across four different leagues. Over the years, I have supported the growth of the club both on and off the pitch, helping to create opportunities for children and young people of all backgrounds to get involved in sport.
One of the achievements I am most proud of has been helping to introduce girls’ football within the club, creating more inclusive opportunities and encouraging more young people to participate in the game.
Volunteering in grassroots football is about far more than organising fixtures or managing administration. It is about building a positive community where young people can develop confidence, friendships and important life skills. Through football, children learn teamwork, communication, resilience, commitment and respect for others — skills that stay with them long after the final whistle.
I strongly believe in the importance of sport for both physical and mental wellbeing. Grassroots football gives young people the opportunity to stay active, improve their health and fitness, and feel part of something positive within their local community. For many children, being part of a team provides routine, encouragement and a real sense of belonging.
Volunteering has also had a huge positive impact on my own mental health and wellbeing. Despite the busy schedules and responsibilities that come with running a club, being involved in football gives me a real sense of purpose and achievement. It provides a positive focus outside of day-to-day work and life pressures, while also giving me the opportunity to build friendships and connect with people across the community.
Seeing the enjoyment and development of the players, watching teams grow, and knowing that you are helping create opportunities for young people is incredibly rewarding. Volunteering gives you a sense of belonging and reminds you that you are making a meaningful difference to other people’s lives. Even during challenging times, being involved in the club and wider football community has been hugely beneficial for my own wellbeing.
Working within the volunteering sector while also volunteering personally is incredibly important to me. It allows me to genuinely understand the experiences, challenges and rewards that volunteers face, and it reinforces why community volunteering matters so much. I firmly believe that organisations should lead by example and encourage a culture where volunteering is valued and supported.
My own experiences are one of the reasons I am passionate about encouraging more people to get involved in volunteering. I know first-hand how rewarding it can be — not only in the difference it makes to others, but also in the confidence, friendships, skills and positive impact it can have on your own wellbeing and mental health.
Although volunteering can sometimes be demanding, seeing young people grow in confidence, develop as individuals and enjoy being part of a team makes it incredibly worthwhile. Knowing that the club is making a positive difference to so many children and families in the community makes all the hard work worthwhile.