COMMUNITY SPORTS has been given the go-ahead, with no vaccination requirement for participation, allowing communities to reconnect with their clubs.
Valley Sport, alongside Regional Sport Victoria, has gathered data which indicates that since the beginning of the pandemic, 30 percent of clubs have seen a reduction of up to 25 percent in volunteers.
Simultaneously, there was a 42 percent decrease in participation across clubs and associations around regional Victoria.
A declining volunteer base can be the difference between having a team participate or club events going ahead, which can have a significant flow on effect for many clubs and communities.
Similar data from Sports Australia has identified volunteering as the lifeblood for organised competition with an increasing number of opportunities identified, particularly for those with a disability, retirees, low-income households, and people who speak a language other than English.
Valley Sport encourages all people to give local sport and active recreation a go by joining or volunteering at a club or sports organisation.
The rewards you receive from volunteering your time to community in clubs and groups has been linked to positive mental, social, and physical benefits, as well as a feeling of greater life satisfaction.
Executive officer at Valley Sport, David Quinn said, “Volunteers are the glue that holds our community club’s fabric together, without them there can be no community sport. I urge anyone who is considering on putting up their hand to do so as you will be welcomed with open arms and many hands really do make light work.
If your club needs further assistance in this space, in member or volunteer retention and recruitment you can contact Valley Sport on 5831 8456 or valleysport.net.au or by emailing clubsupport@valleysport.net.au
