Which volunteering programme are you on & what does your role involve?
I am a part of the Gorse Volleyball program! My role involves helping and coaching students in the after-school volleyball program.
How much time do you commit to volunteering per week and how do you manage this alongside your studies?
Usually I volunteer on Mondays and sometimes o
n Thursdays for the older group of students. Volunteering and studies are easy to manage as I can volunteer around my classes and seminars.
What made you want to volunteer?
I was quite involved in my community back in Canada, and my interest carried over to my university experience in Leeds. Last year I was the Women’s 2nd team captain, and currently I play on the Women’s 2nd team for the university. I love to help people and coaching a sport like volleyball is one of the best ways to make a positive impact!
What is the best thing about volunteering?
The best thing about volunteering is get
ting to know all the staff and students in the program. All the students are so enthusiastic and friendly. They all come prepared, ready to learn, and ready to improve!
What are the challenges?
There are a wide range of ages and abilities in the club, so I think one challenge has been to adapt my coaching style to each student’s ability. Additionally, I think that sometimes finding a balance between drills and game time to keep every student f
ully engaged can be a challenge!
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
100% I would recommend volunteering to every student. It’s an amazing opportunity to talk to new people, improve your communication skills, and get involved in your local community!
How does it feel to win Volunteer of the Month?
It feels like an absolute honour to be volunteer of the month!
If you are interested in finding out more, check out all of our volunteering opportunities.