Volunteers are the lifeblood of community sports clubs. They contribute their time, skills and energy, enhancing community engagement and expanding your club’s reach. This video introduces ways to attract and retain the volunteers who are pivotal to the sustainability and success of your club.
This video is for everyone who manages volunteers. If you’re ready to boost your club by engaging the spirit of volunteering, let’s get started.
Before we hit the ground running, ponder these thoughts:
- What motivates someone to become a volunteer?
- How can you create an environment that volunteers are eager to join?
- How can you provide a good induction to your volunteers?
People volunteer for many reasons, but at the core, they share a desire to contribute and connect. They might want to make a difference, make friends, support their kids, learn new skills or grow professionally.
The trick is to tap into their personal motivations and foster an atmosphere where everyone feels they’re part of something big.
For those driven by community spirit, personal recognition could mean the world. For the socially motivated, team activities and club events can enhance their experience. And for those seeking personal growth, providing training and development opportunities can be incredibly fulfilling.
The power of influence lies in building rapport. People are naturally inclined to contribute where they feel liked, where their efforts are reciprocated, where they can stay true to their commitments and where they're part of a collective effort to achieve something worthwhile, like running a great club!
Get out there, engage with members and the friendships you build can become the foundation of a thriving volunteer base.
Drawing in volunteers is about creating a welcoming atmosphere. Be sincere, helpful and start with manageable tasks. Highlight the contributions of current volunteers to inspire new ones. It’s these personal touches that transform relationships into community involvement.
The management committee leads the governance and strategic direction of your club. Attracting the right people to these roles and ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge can make a really positive impact.
To help attract committee members:
- Carefully define each role
- Communicate details of each role clearly
- Plan ahead to attract the right people to the right roles
- Leverage your networks by personally inviting people to become involved
- And advertise your volunteering opportunities among members and through your local community social media groups
When someone steps up to volunteer or is elected to the management committee, give them a warm introduction to the club. A balanced induction program should be informative, but well paced so that it’s not overwhelming.
You only get one shot at creating a good first impression, so the initial experience you give new volunteers is crucial for their enjoyment and confidence in their role.
After the induction program is complete, set a date to catch-up and see how everything is going. Remember to provide recognition and make volunteers feel valued and appreciated. You can host social events to support volunteers in feeling connected and welcomed. Regular training and professional development opportunities can support volunteers’ ongoing improvement and connection to your club.
The induction process for operational volunteers may be less formal than for committee members, but it is still helpful in ensuring they are provided with the necessary skills and instruction to complete their jobs confidently, safely and effectively, while feeling part of the team.
Attracting and retaining volunteers involves more than just filling positions. It’s about creating a true sense of community. From the first handshake to ongoing support, it’s the shared experiences and the common goals that make your club a great place to play and a great place to belong.