Roles undertaken within Loughborough Sport
Volunteer Zambia Football Development Officer
Tell us a little about yourself (E.g. hobbies, interests and background)
I play football and do a bit of coaching. I currently have a level 4 diploma in sport therapy.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I found a position at the opening weekend of the England volleyball and thought as a fresher I should throw myself into the opportunities. I then found the position as football development offer for volunteer Zambia and thought it would be such a great experience but also an opportunity to make a kid’s day or year.
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
Fundraising for my trip to Zambia, come out as a volunteer development officer. Volunteered at the opening of the volleyball, coaching at the nearby schools doing an activities session.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
Words can’t fully describe the experience of getting to come out to Zambia. Not only had I got to help develop the coaches they have made me grow as a person. It has been a life changing experience where the support for the opps lead and everyone at Loughborough had helped shaped my experience.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
It’s given me the access to play football at a high level after being lost for quite some time due to an injury. Through the cva I got to come out to Zambia which has shown me how much one person had the opportunity to help shape the life of a child. It’s put into perspective how lucky I am with my opportunities. It’s helped me realise how much more I would like to achieve pushing me to strive for the development of sport. It has made me rethink what career I would like to go into.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
Throw yourself into any opportunities you can find, some things maybe boring but you will find something you genuinely love and have a passion for.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Getting messages for coaches or players saying I’ve made a child’s day or made them happy again, it small moments where you can see the impact you have had on person and the friendships you’ve gained out of it.