Sports volunteering scheme gets off the Blocks

Ribble Valley Borough Council is helping to recruit sports volunteers as part of the Lancashire-wide Sport Makers scheme.

The scheme aims to recruit over 1,000 "sport makers" across the county to lead sports groups in their workplace or community.

And a free Sport Makers workshop will take place in the Ribble Valley Borough Council Chamber on Tuesday, February 21, from 6 to 8pm, with the chance for participants who subsequently undertake 10 hours of volunteering to win Olympic and Paralympic tickets.

Tom Bamber, Ribble Valley Borough Council's sports development officer, said: "Sport doesn't just happen, it needs people to make it happen, and Sport Makers is offering residents the opportunity to learn new skills, boost their CVs, contribute something to the community and join the Olympic legacy by becoming a sports volunteer.

"Sport Makers also offers clubs the opportunity to sign up for much-needed manpower in coaching and administration."

David Dewhurst of Longridge started volunteering at the town's Freedom Fitness Room in 2008, while studying for a degree in sports coaching.

He said: "Volunteering has given me a wide range of skills, particularly inter-personal, and has been very rewarding, culminating in a trip with youngsters from St Cecilia's High School in Longridge to an international youth football tournament in Denmark.

"Thanks to my volunteering, I am now undertaking paid sports coaching work and studying for a masters degree in sports coaching."

Further details about Sport Makers are available from Lancashire Sport at www.lancashiresport.org.uk or Tom Bamber on 01200 414553.

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