Volunteer at a club
For many people, the local gymnastics club is their gateway into the sport – and it’s often the same for volunteers. With over 1400 clubs nationwide, getting involved at your local club couldn’t be easier.
Why volunteer at a club?
Playing an active role in your local community feels good, especially when you see your club succeeding and improving as a result. If you already visit to support a family member, volunteering is a natural next step. The club will also provide you with the guidance and support you need, so you can put your experience into practice, and pick up some new skills along the way.
What could I do?
Your local club will find a role that plays to your strengths and interests. For example, if you’re full of good ideas you could help them organise fundraising activities. If you want to be in the thick of the action, you could start the journey to become an assistant coach. Or perhaps you’ve got financial skills which you could put to good use with the club’s book keeping. No matter what your strengths are, there will be a role for you.
Can under 16s volunteer too?
Absolutely. Our Leadership Academy Programme helps people aged 11 to 16 learn about different areas of gymnastics, including volunteering. This is a great way to play a bigger role in your club and develop your leadership skills at the same time.
OK, I’m in. How do I start?
If you’re ready to do something amazing with your time, we can’t wait to meet you. Take your first step to becoming a club volunteer by telling us a little about yourself.
Register your interest
When you express an interest to volunteer, we will use the information you provide to identify and inform you about appropriate volunteering opportunities. We will delete this information after 1 year unless you become an active member of our volunteer workforce.
Click here for more information.
MY Leadership programme
What is the MY Leadership Academy Programme?
The MY Leadership Academy Programme is designed to create a structure which young people can follow to help them develop as leaders within gymnastics environments (schools, clubs and leisure centres). The programme encourages leaders to complete five different ‘topic’ areas:
MY Learning: Leaders are tasked with completing a number of different courses, both generic and sport specific.
MY Development: Leaders are tasked with identifying a mentor and learning from working alongside them.
MY Volunteering: Leaders are tasked with volunteering their time at events and meetings.
MY Future: Leaders are tasked with producing a development plan and working towards completing their goals.
MY Projects: Leaders are tasked with identifying appropriate needs, and running a project to add benefits to themselves and their club.
The programme introduces Young Leaders to the various roles and opportunities available within gymnastics, helps them to identify their strengths and the aspects of gymnastics they enjoy and encourages leaders to stay within the sport for longer, creating a larger and stronger workforce for the future.
The programme is specifically targeted at Young Leaders aged 11-17, but is equally open to anyone over the age of 17. The MY Leadership Academy booklet is available free to members of British Gymnastics.
The programme is structured, yet flexible in that it can be adapted to suit the needs of individuals and different environments. There are awards, rewards and recognition available at various stages of completion to encourage the leaders to continue to develop.
Volunteering on a committee
Regional and national committees make important decisions which shape the sport’s future. Many committee members are volunteers who are nominated to their role.
Why volunteer on a committee?
As a committee member, you’ll have a say in how the sport is run. You’ll help to arrange competitions, support registered clubs and ensure the opportunities exist for every gymnast to reach their potential.
Should I join a committee?
Regional and county committees implement strategies at a local level, as well as preparing competition programmes, creating rules and competition handbooks and selecting regional squads for competition. Are you great at getting people involved; are your organisational skills a key strength? These opportunities create close knit teams that work together and make a difference to our sport.
What could I do?
Based on your skills and interests, we’ll work with you to find a role that suits you. Depending on the committee, this may include positions such as chairperson, secretary, treasurer, discipline representatives and welfare officer.
Do I need experience?
Having an understanding of gymnastics helps, but it is not essential. Other skills, such as leadership, finance and communication, can be equally valuable in helping committees to develop the sport.
How do I start?
If you’re ready to do something amazing with your spare time, we can’t wait to meet you. Take your first step to becoming a technical volunteer by telling us a little about yourself.