Ulster Rugby, the Irish FA and Ulster GAA came together earlier this week to host a very informative volunteer forum entitled 'Strength in numbers; building strong teams off the field'.
The event was held at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, and formed part of the ’Sport; A home for lifelong volunteering’ programme, which is funded by the Department for Communities. The aim of the evening was to provide advice and support to sports clubs on recruiting, involving, rewarding and retaining volunteers.
Speaking at the event, Department for Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA, said: “I am delighted that my Department supports this innovative project. Volunteers play a vital role in all sports and it is important that they receive the right support to develop their skills whether that be as a youth coach, a club administrator or helping to deliver sporting events.
“The benefits of skilled volunteers also benefits our communities as the skills developed within sport are transferable and are often used to benefit the wider community.
“Volunteers are a critical aspect of all our sports and it is great to see this type of programme recognising their importance to Ulster Rugby, the IFA and the GAA. I welcome the opportunity to be here to acknowledge and congratulate all the volunteers for their dedication and commitment to volunteering within sport.”
Various aspects of volunteering were detailed by experts across the three Governing Bodies, while case studies were presented by Randalstown RFC, Ballinamallard FC and Killeavy St. Moninna's GAC on how they have grown strong and sustainable volunteer bases.
Ulster and Ireland rugby star, Craig Gilroy, spoke on the importance of volunteers throughout his sporting career and encouraged people of all ages to think about volunteering as a means of personal development, social inclusion and simply having fun in your local community.
Rachel Shannon from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) gave a valuable insight into the recently published research, ‘State of the Sector’, commenting on volunteering in the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector.
The event concluded with a very interactive panel discussion with attendees asking a raft of questions which will assist them in their roles within their clubs. The lasting impression of the event was of the hugely enthusiastic club volunteers who are already giving so generously of their time in helping their clubs and communities.
The event was held at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, and formed part of the ’Sport; A home for lifelong volunteering’ programme, which is funded by the Department for Communities. The aim of the evening was to provide advice and support to sports clubs on recruiting, involving, rewarding and retaining volunteers.
Speaking at the event, Department for Communities Minister, Paul Givan MLA, said: “I am delighted that my Department supports this innovative project. Volunteers play a vital role in all sports and it is important that they receive the right support to develop their skills whether that be as a youth coach, a club administrator or helping to deliver sporting events.
“The benefits of skilled volunteers also benefits our communities as the skills developed within sport are transferable and are often used to benefit the wider community.
“Volunteers are a critical aspect of all our sports and it is great to see this type of programme recognising their importance to Ulster Rugby, the IFA and the GAA. I welcome the opportunity to be here to acknowledge and congratulate all the volunteers for their dedication and commitment to volunteering within sport.”
Various aspects of volunteering were detailed by experts across the three Governing Bodies, while case studies were presented by Randalstown RFC, Ballinamallard FC and Killeavy St. Moninna's GAC on how they have grown strong and sustainable volunteer bases.
Ulster and Ireland rugby star, Craig Gilroy, spoke on the importance of volunteers throughout his sporting career and encouraged people of all ages to think about volunteering as a means of personal development, social inclusion and simply having fun in your local community.
Rachel Shannon from the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) gave a valuable insight into the recently published research, ‘State of the Sector’, commenting on volunteering in the community, voluntary and social enterprise sector.
The event concluded with a very interactive panel discussion with attendees asking a raft of questions which will assist them in their roles within their clubs. The lasting impression of the event was of the hugely enthusiastic club volunteers who are already giving so generously of their time in helping their clubs and communities.