Managing Sports Volunteers Short Course Launched at St Mary's

St Mary’s University, Twickenham has added a new 1^st4Sport Level Three ‘Managing Sports Volunteers’ training programme to its expansive portfolio of short courses. The Level Three course is aimed at sports volunteers, which can range from parents helping out at weekend rugby, hockey and football matches, marshals at Parkrun or the mighty ‘Games Makers’ from London 2012 Olympic Games. The course was launched internally last year for the Students’ Union Sports Team managers and students who volunteer their time at a number of community events, both locally and nationally. The aim of the course was to provide recognition for their contribution and to show them how much their contributions are valued. After a resounding success of the initial course launch, St Mary’s is now encouraging local sports groups to consider offering it to their volunteers. The course includes time management, management of volunteers, managing challenges and conflict, budget management, risk assessment, inducting and deploying volunteers and managing teams.  As part of the programme participants put together a portfolio of evidence which can be used to show future employers. President of the University’s Athletics Union, Josh Moss who completed the course last year said, “The Managing Sports Volunteers course was crucial in my development as a leader and club president.  It gave me the opportunity to speak to other club presidents and discuss with each other how we’ve dealt with certain situations and pass on advice. It also taught me important skills such as delegating tasks and simple things like creating to do lists.” Cindy Croucher-Wright, Manager for Centre of Short Courses and CPD said, “As a regular volunteer myself, I feel the course is a valuable tool which provides managers of sports volunteers with the skills to manage those who offer to lend a hand on a one-off or regular basis.  It helps clubs and organisations to get the most out of their volunteers and also recognises their contribution without which many simply couldn’t operate.” Information about the course is available online or contact St Mary’s short courses by email shortcourses@stmarys.ac.uk or call 020 8240 4321.