Sports clubs appeal for more volunteers

A number of sports clubs in Orkney have launched a county-wide appeal for volunteers to help bolster numbers and secure their future.

Those already helping out are warning that depleted numbers may see some clubs have to reduce what they can offer.

At a recent Community Sports Hub meeting of sports clubs, members stressed that the lack of volunteers is becoming unviable.

Community Sports Officer at the Council, Elaine Harcus, who was present at the meeting, said all clubs spoke of how a drop in volunteer numbers – particularly since COVID hit – has left some struggling to continue with a full programme.

“Folk in Orkney are known for their generosity when it comes to volunteering not just in terms of sports clubs but across the board in all walks of life. When the world shut down for a time during the pandemic, many people took the time to re-evaluate their lives and, as a result, some chose to step down from volunteering roles – many of whom had given their time freely and willingly for many years for which we are hugely grateful.

“We know how busy parents are juggling work and home lives and that’s why we are reaching out to everyone, younger folk and also those who are retired who may be interested in taking a look at volunteering – those already volunteering say it can be hugely rewarding knowing you are giving something back to the community and benefitting others.

“There are so many ways in which folk can help – it does not have to be sport specific and they wouldn’t need to have previously played a particular sport – it could be an admin role, joining a committee, taking on a social media page, helping with a fundraising event at a weekend or league coordination.”

There are a range of clubs seeking more helpers - Orkney Cycling Club, Orkney Rugby Club Peedie Kickers, Orkney Badminton, Netball Orkney, Orkney Amateur Swimming Club, Orkney Roller Derby, Orkney Fencing Club, Kirkwall Squash and Racketball Club, Orkney Football Club and Orkney Judo.

Judo 

One of Orkney Judo’s volunteers, Niall Allison, was recently named JudoScotland’s Volunteer of the Year 2022.

Niall is an assistant coach UKCC Level 2 to Tony O’Donnell with Orkney Judo, having joined the club in 2016.

“When I am not doing judo, I am thinking judo, planning judo or learning more judo!”

Niall is also Club Secretary, Press Officer, looks after the Club’s social media, organises competition away trips, fundraising and is Child Welfare and Protection Officer for the Club.

“My reward is seeing our members grow as individuals, gaining grades, learning judo, taking home medals and all while having fun doing it.”

Badminton

Rebecca Reid of the Orkney Badminton Association described volunteers as the “backbone of the association and affiliated clubs”.

She added: “Without them we would not be able to provide training and competition opportunities for junior and senior players. With the 2025 Island Games on the horizon we are keen to develop the sport further in the community.

“Our junior players are extremely keen and we need more support to help our young players thrive. OBA is also keen to develop more opportunities for recreational/social players and promote badminton as an inclusive sport for players from every background and ability.”

OBA would welcome any volunteers who are keen to support in any way but particularly;

• assisting coaches, with opportunities to start on the pathway to become a qualified coach;
• becoming a committee member - providing support with running of the club; such as minutes secretary, sourcing funding, assisting with communication between OBA and local clubs etc;
• organising trips/events/competitions/league;
• interest in undertaking a line judge/umpiring course.

 Squash and Racketball

Keen squash player and President of the Kirkwall Squash and Racketball Club, Matthew Wylie, has been part of the Club’s committee for 15 years. Around ten volunteers keep the club going but they are in urgent need of some help.

He said: “Squash has given me a lot over the years so I am keen to help the club in any way I can.

“I know first-hand how the sport can empower young folk and instil confidence to help them in their everyday lives. As well as helping you keep fit it also helps you meet new people and be part of a close knit club.”

The club is in urgent need of coaches to help with junior sessions but there’s also roles available to look after the club’s Facebook page and organise competitions.

He says it’s beneficial to have some background knowledge of the sport, but it’s not essential for some roles.

“Folk can come along and see what they think first, or help out for a few weeks – anything and everything would be much appreciated.

They currently have around 70 members which has diminished following the pandemic limiting the amount of squash and racketball being played but with a home Island Games in 2025 which includes squash, members are keen to grow the club again.

Matthew added: “The value of input from the club volunteers in recent years is clear to be seen with many of our junior players representing the Highlands and Islands and a few even representing Scotland. Most notably of which is Finlay Scott who recently attended the World Junior Championships representing Scotland.

“We are immensely proud of our junior players and what they continue to achieve. Our core aim is to ensure no barriers are in place for any player to fulfil their full potential within either squash or racketball. We can only do this with the fantastic work our volunteers.”

Cycling

Mervyn Walker is Chair of the Orkney Cycling Club and a keen volunteer.

He gets a great sense of achievement helping others, especially in terms of the mental health and wellbeing aspect that so often comes hand in hand with being involved in a sporting activity.

“It’s so important to keep sport foremost in juniors - they are the athletes of tomorrow, representing Orkney. We are looking for marshalls for events or just general assistants to help out,” Mervyn said.

Pete Bentley co-founded the Orkney Cycling Club and is Club Secretary and a cyclo-cross coach.

What positives does he take away from it?

“In the initial stages, getting the club off the ground with a team of other folk was immensely satisfying. The attention the club got in the early days was great, but it involved a lot of work by the club committee in developing the Orkney CC 'brand' and offering.

“The club acts as a real focus for cycling in Orkney. Before this there was nothing to unify folk of the same interest. In terms of why it is important to volunteer then simply put, without volunteers putting in time the club wouldn't exist.

“Volunteering for coaching is really satisfying - more so than doing the routine admin stuff of the secretary's role. Juniors especially are great fun to coach - if not just a little hectic!”

Pete says they need more coaches prepared to give up some time in the evenings and weekends to support junior cyclists

“Anyone can volunteer - they just have to be keen. At our last cross country event it was good to get approached by adults who had kids competing asking what they could do to help out. That's not happened before.

“Just come along and see what you think.”

Football

Michael Swanney from Peedie Kickers said their club requires parent helpers for help with registering, setting up and taking down equipment, coaches to take sessions alongside a fellow coach and committee volunteers to undertake positions such as treasurer, chair, child protection officer and secretary.

Michael summed up what he gets from volunteering: “I just really enjoy working with children, seeing them improve and reaching their potential.

“The main thing is that we try and create opportunities for girls and boys to be active through football.  Some really embrace this opportunity whilst others just like being part of the club, however we try and create an environment where everyone is welcome.”

Fencing

Like many other clubs throughout the county, the Orkney Fencing Club is run entirely by a dwindling handful of volunteers. To ensure its ongoing success, they are appealing for others to get involved.

Chair Moya Nelson stresses that many of the volunteer roles don’t require any sporting background or interest, just a desire to help.

“We are generally looking for folk aged 18 and over, but 16-18-year-olds can take on administrative roles or start training to be a coach.

“All roles that involve contact with under 18-year-olds must have PVG clearance and some roles require first aid certificate and child well-being and protection training, but we assist with that so it’s really not a problem.

“If folk would like to have a go and not commit fully, we can accommodate trial periods also.”

Sessions are every Wednesday evening at Picky, with additional training for those taking part in senior competitions. All are welcome, from beginners up and taster sessions are available to other clubs and individuals.

If you would like to get involved at any level of volunteering, or just pop along to see initially, please contact Elaine Harcus at the Council on 01856 873535 or email Elaine.Harcus@orkney.gov.uk and she will put you in touch with the relevant clubs.