Overview:
At Teesside Sport our Sports Leader Programme gives students the opportunity to engage and work closely with our sports clubs on a voluntary basis, allowing individuals to clock up their hours through VolunTees and be recognised for their contribution.
The aim of the role is to work in conjunction Teesside Sport’s staff, sports club coaches and the sports club members to tailor a more bespoke experience to each club depending on the various needs and demands of your chosen club and the suggestions and desires of those members. It is an opportunity to forge relationships with coaches and players and be able to capture and relay feedback from those on the ground to the Teesside Sport staff ensuring there is continued connection and communication between all parties.
Whilst undertaking the programme, every sports leader will be fully supported in developing existing and new ideas that will help to grow and develop their clubs’ environment, recruitment, sustainability and overall student experience. It is an opportunity to volunteer within sport without the requirement of participating.
The sports leader programme is an individualised approach that will give everyone an insight into the operational and day to day workings of running a sports club, whether it be recreationally, socially, or competitively. The sports leader programme is designed to be flexible to your needs, and to allow you to maximise your contribution to the clubs development. It is a great opportunity to develop a range of skills such as communication, organisation, logistical management, innovation and marketing.
Voluntary Hours Log:
The sports leader programme is set up for you to get the most from the programme and other opportunities across campus. As part of the programme all sports leaders are strongly encouraged to record their volunatary hours through the Voluntees Platform. All you need to do is register to create an account - https://www.voluntees.co.uk/
In recent years we have had a number of our sports leaders recognised at the Volun-Cheers awards receiving Gold Awards for the number of hours they have contributed voluntarily to the role within sport.
Individual and Peer Support:
As a sports leader, you will receive 1:1 support through individual meetings that aim to support your work within your respective club. You will be expected and strongly encouraged to seek support and guidance from your fellow sports leaders on the programme. Although they will be working within a different sport and club, you will often share the same concerns and have similar questions to ask.
Sports Leader Achievements:
Our Sports Leaders have achieved high recognition for their voluntary work through Voluntees. In 2023/24 Sports Leaders completed over 1,000 hours of voluntary work, achieving Silver, Gold and Platinum awards. The Volunteer of the Year Award and Volunteer Group of the Year both went to our Sports Leaders too!
In 2024/25 our Sports Leaders clocked-up even more voluntary hours than the previous year. There was recognition via the TU Student Volunteer Recognition Award at the awards and our Teesside Sport members of staff leading the programe received the Exceptional Mentor of the Year Award.
We feel like we must be doing something right to create a great opportunity for those students that want to volunteer in sport, develop themselves and gain industry recognition that will look great upon graduation. Across the world sport is built on volunteers and those that can support activity. We need you! If you are interested in finding out more and signing up for the next years programme please email sport@tees.ac.uk and we can provide more information.
Teesside Sport Team
Related Opportunities
Every Thursday, from 2pm until 5pm, we host the crisp packet project in our Southbank hub. Since starting this project, it has helped supply homeless people in our community with insulated sleeping bags, blankets, pillows and many more items.
You will gain valuable experience in meeting and talking to people in the local community. You will need to be flexible in your approach and willing to get involved in many of the ongoing actions we organise.
Help us promote a reading for pleasure culture in primary schools, by offering one-to-one reading support with children in disadvantaged communities. This is an online opportunity with completely flexible hours!
