Sport Makers Volunteer Programme
A new sports volunteer programme was recently launched in the Tees Valley. Tees Valley Sport is looking to recruit over 500 volunteers aged 16 or over on to the Sports Makers programme during the next 18 months.
Sport Makers is part of the Places People Play London 2012 legacy programme that is bringing the magic of the Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the Tees Valley. Every Sport Maker will be invited to an informal and interactive workshop where they'll gain the skills and opportunities to get involved in sport in the Tees Valley.
The Tees Valley Sport Makers launch recently took place at a Redcar and Cleveland Community Sports Leaders Course. A variety of volunteers attended the training course and it is hoped that many will become the first recruits on to the Tees Valley Sport Makers programme. Many of the volunteers that attended the launch are keen to develop their volunteering skills and knowledge.
Sam Fletcher is 17 years old and works for two hours a week at the Fusion Youth Centre in Brotton. Sam helps with delivering a badminton session and enjoys giving his time to help the young people enjoy playing sport. His ambition is to complete a Level 1 qualification in badminton and to work with disabled young people.
Rita Richardson is 43 years old and is actively involved in volunteering, helping with football, table tennis and PE at her local Primary School. Rita enjoys encouraging young people to take part and helping them to achieve. Rita would like to extend her volunteering to work with a younger girls football team.
Daniel Shields is also 17 years old and is new to volunteering; he is interested in working with sports clubs and is keen to build his confidence and experience. Daniel's ambition is to be a Sports Assistant at a Leisure Centre.
Abbie Robson is 21 years old and enjoys rowing and mountain biking, she considers volunteering to be good fun and it enables her to make a contribution to the community. Abbie is keen to encourage young people to get involved in sport and to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Abbie's ambitions are to gain more confidence, improve the local community and help young people stay off the streets at night.
Tees Valley Sport Chair Mike Crawshaw says "Tees Valley Sport is excited to be co-ordinating Sport Makers and will be working with lots of different partners to recruit and deploy volunteers. The next 18 months provides a great opportunity to inspire an army of new volunteers to support an increase in sports participation and deliver a true legacy for the Olympics".
Executive Director Jean Lordon says "Our sporting success relies on hard work behind the scenes from a dedicated band of volunteers. Sport Makers can help us build a sporting workforce that will make the Tees Valley a more active and healthier place to live".
People can register to take part in the Sports Makers programme by enrolling at www.sportmakers.co.uk or by contacting Louise Wells on Middlesbrough 342287.
For more information please contact:
Louise Wells, Tees Valley Sport, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA Tel; 01642 342287, email; l.wells@tees.ac.uk
