VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH – EMILY KILMISTER, Sport Science – Netball Umpires & Gryphons Into Schools.
It is great to have our volunteering programme back to full force after the pandemic. Our first volunteer of the month of the 2021-22 academic year back in October was Sport Science student Emily Kilmister who has been volunteering on not one, but two of our weekly programmes!
Which volunteering programme are you on & what does your role involve?
I am currently doing the Netball Umpire role which involves umpiring the university’s social league matches. Also, I am starting the Gryphons into Schools programme next month which involves going into local schools to assist in PE lesson and with extra-curricular activities.
How much time do you commit to volunteering per week and how do you manage this alongside your studies?
Netball umpiring is 2-3 hours a week and I am expecting the Gryphons into Schools programme to be similar. It is definitely going to be tricky to balance everything especially when I start both roles at the same time, but it is really helping me develop my time management skills and is something different to do alongside my studies that gives me a bit of a break while still developing great employability skills. A good planner is really helping me manage my time!
What made you want to volunteer?
I am hoping for a career in PE teaching so both programmes are great experience for me. Also I really enjoyed playing netball at school and umpiring is a great opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the sport from a new perspective.
What is the best thing about volunteering?
The confidence in my ability and the skills I am gaining. I have only been in the role about a month and I already feel myself becoming a lot more confident with each game I umpire. Also I have met some really great people through the role!
What are the challenges?
Umpiring is definitely a lot harder than I originally thought it would be. You are doing a lot of things at the same time and having to make a lot of quick decisions but it is definitely getting easier with practice.
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Definitely! It is a great opportunity to do something I otherwise may never have done.
How does it feel to win Volunteer of the Month?
It was a lovely surprise. Thank you so much!
Netball Umpires is just one of the programmes Emily volunteers for.
Sports Volunteering Office, Suzanne Garnett had this to say:
‘Emily is a fantastic addition to our volunteering team this year, giving time to umpiring and local schools. She has been really proactive in the netball league helping us fill gaps and her commitment to both programmes is impressive. Well done Emily, and thank you for your time and effort!’
Congratulations Emily and keep up the amazing work!
