October 31, 2018, by Charlotte Gauja
University of Nottingham Sport – Volunteer of the Month (October)
University of Nottingham Sport’s Leadership Academy offers students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and make a real contribution to their local community.
It may feel like term has just started, but UoN Leadership Academy’s volunteers having already been working hard. From training new volunteers with our outreach programme Laureus Sports for Good Programme to the Engage Inclusive Sports Day.
Each month we’re showcasing one volunteer who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to making a difference in their local community, both on and off-campus.
UoN Sport Leadership Academy would like to congratulate George Smith on being our Volunteer of the Month for October!
George is a third year Human Geography student who wanted to get involved more with his club and give back in his final year. He now runs weekly Volleyball Engage sessions as the HEVO (Higher Educational Volleyball Officer) for University of Nottingham as well as being Men’s 2s Volleyball Captain and running some of the inclusive sitting volleyball sessions.
Engage sessions are a great way to try a new sport, and that’s one of the reasons George loves volunteering to coach these sessions. We caught up with George this week to have a chat about what being a HEVO involves and what he’s gained from the experience.
“It’s great to get back to basics and help teach complete beginners. It’s a lovely break from competitive training and matches. Engage is very interactive and social, we are only a few weeks in and I feel people have really integrated. One of the biggest things I’ve gained from it personally is the ability to cater for everyone and have that compassion to see how everyone is getting on, it’s very different from when you are training when you just focus on your own performance.”
To participate in the Engage Programme you don’t need any sports membership and all abilities are welcome. With no trials or set teams – you can just turn up and play with no commitment to attend each week.
George also added; “Planning and leading these sessions has helped my with public speaking and confidence in delivery. Sitting volleyball was such a success, I really hope to continue and grow it this year.”
Feel inspired by George’s story, there’s still time to get involved with UoN Leadership Academy.
Interested in volunteering with our Leadership Academy? We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities coming up including our new outdoor Discovery Days with local Nottingham schools! To find out more and register your interest visit: http://uonsportleaders.com
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