Sports Development Assistant

Overview of the role

The University of Leeds is one of the leading providers of sport and physical activity services within higher education and is always looking to get more students involved in sport whilst at university whether this be through participation, leadership or volunteering. We currently have an opportunity for two students to gain applied experience in the field of sport development within our Sports Leadership & Volunteering team during term time. Our Sport Development Assistants will be responsible for helping deliver a variety of sport services to their fellow students as well as in the wider community as part of an educational experience. This is an ideal opportunity for students aspiring to progress in sport development to gain industry experience. It is a fun and challenging role and you will be helping people in Leeds to live more active lives as well as broadening your own horizons and developing new skills.

Duties & responsibilities

• Deliver a minimum of 2 hours per week during term time as directed by the Leeds Gryphons team
• Work closely with the Leeds Gryphons team to provide high quality support on leadership & volunteering projects
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of university sport
• Represent the University & Leeds Gryphons in a positive manner
• Complete the Leeds Gryphons employability workbook throughout the year
• Maintain open lines of communication with the Leeds Gryphons team
• Actively cross promote the work of the Leeds Gryphons team to your fellow students on campus
• Attend development meetings, workshops and CPD’s as appropriate

Skills & experience required

• A long term desire to work in the sport development industry and a genuine passion for getting more people involved in sport
• A basic understanding of the work and portfolio of the Leeds Gryphons team including its leadership and volunteering provision
• Weekly commitment to supporting the Leeds Gryphons team during term time
• Be willing and able to engage with the programme in its entirety including induction, ongoing training and mentoring meetings
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Enthusiasm & energy
• Good communication skills
• Reliable & Trustworthy
• Flexible & Adaptable
• A passion for physical activity & developing sport

Skills developed

Communication, Teamwork & Collaboration, Commercial Awareness, Flexibility & Adaptability, Planning & Organising, Time management, Critical thinking, Information searching, Strategic Practise, Interpersonal, Reflection, Research skills, Active learning.

Training & support

We want you to have the very best volunteering experience with us; therefore we take care to ensure you get the training and support you need to carry out your role including:

• An initial induction to the organisation and the role
• Regular mentoring and feedback from the Leeds Gryphons team

Any further training and support needs will be discussed with the Sports Workforce Officer, who will be your main point of contact.

Reward & recognition

The time and skills that you provide are invaluable and we make every effort to ensure you feel appreciated in your role. Leeds Gryphons is invested in retaining volunteers and ensuring their volunteering is a supportive, high quality experience working to the common aims of growing sports participation and developing students skills. All volunteers will be eligible for the following:

• A uniform in the form of a Leeds Gryphons leadership t-shirt to wear during their volunteering
• Access to The Edge facility on an Edge Club membership
• Access to all training required to complete the role (largely on the job)
• Volunteer of the month awards
• References from our staff team

Participation in this programme can also be used as part of the SOUL Discovery programme. This module supports students to reflect on the personal & professional value of their volunteering.

Commitment

Ideally you will be able to commit 2 hours per week during term time, supporting projects as directed by the Leeds Gryphons team. The 2 hours will be flexible and can be completed around your studies. If you are likely to find this commitment difficult, please speak to the Sports Workforce Officer who will be able to discuss this in more detail.

You will be required to attend any training relevant to your role in line with the Leeds Gryphons minimum deployment guidelines for volunteers.

How to apply

• Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are now CLOSED. Applications for the 2027-28 year will open in February 2027.
• Leeds Gryphons Development Assistants are responsible to the Sports Workforce Officer in the Leeds Gryphons Team.
• Following your online application you may be invited for an informal interview with the Sports Workforce Officer to discuss the role.
• If you have any questions or would like any additional information, please contact Chloe Marshall – Sports Workforce Officer at [email protected].