Active Schools Coordinators start the ball rolling by planning and coordinating programmes of activity within their schools. They’re the catalysts for increasing opportunities and motivation to get active.
At local level, Coordinators rely on a huge supporting network of people to make things happen. This support network is made up of a cross section of teachers, other school staff, parents, coaches, young people, club members and other volunteers.
This support network is vital to the Active Schools Network; providing coaching and leadership, running clubs, raising funds, helping with transport and even washing dirty kit. They also provide a link between school and the wider community – creating a path beyond school activities.
Volunteers sit at the heart of the work of Active Schools. Without their support, the majority of Active Schools activities couldn’t happen – over half of the sessions that are recorded through Active Schools are led by volunteers. Volunteers are also the key to ensuring that activities are sustainable.
The recruitment of a network of volunteers is highlighted as a key area of focus for Active Schools Managers and Coordinators. Recruiting new volunteers is one of the most challenging areas of work for the Active Schools Network – getting people to give up increasingly precious spare time to deliver school physical activity and sport isn’t easy! Having said that, volunteering is one of the areas in which the Network has been successful, with a substantial increase in volunteers over the first phase of the Network.
Recruiting volunteers is just the first stage in the process! Managers and Coordinators are also responsible for:
- Retaining existing volunteers and identifying progression pathways
- Providing training and support to volunteers to enhance their skills and confidence
- Ensuring that a safe volunteering environment is provided
- Developing and supporting leaderships skills for young people
Active Schools Coordinators are always on the lookout for more volunteers to help deliver activity sessions!! If you’re interested in finding out more about helping with Active Schools, visit our 'Getting Involved' section.