Gary Lineker is taking a stand to boost volunteer recruitment and retention techniques in football and other grassroots sports by supporting The Big Help Out. The aim is to prevent community sports clubs from folding by addressing the urgent need for volunteers.
Boosting Grassroots Sports Together
Gary Lineker recently visited Connect Stars in London. This community group fights social exclusion by engaging young people in sports and physical activity. The visit underscores the crucial need for volunteer support within local sports clubs.
Volunteers Needed: The Big Help Out
The Big Help Out event, from 7-9 June, encourages people to volunteer at their local sports clubs. This response comes after identifying volunteer shortages as a major growth barrier for sport and physical activity sectors in the UK.
Addressing the Volunteer Shortage
Asda’s Community Tracker Report shows that 43% of customers might volunteer locally, and one in three sees providing sports kits to under-18 teams as essential. Similarly, Sport England’s Active Lives survey reveals a shortfall of 2.1 million volunteers, putting many clubs at risk.
Gary Lineker Urges Action
Gary Lineker emphasises the critical role of volunteers. “Coaches, referees, groundsmen, and others dedicate their time so we can play,” he says. “With more than half the clubs lacking volunteers, getting involved could save entire communities.”
Community Tracker Insights
The Community Tracker targets shoppers, Asda Community Champions, and community groups seeking Asda Foundation grants. It highlights that 50% prioritise supporting sport-promoting holiday clubs, and 61% support after-school activities.
Funding Challenges
The primary barrier for local sports involvement is funding shortages, followed by a lack of team and club financing.
Asda and The Big Help Out Partnership
Asda is working with The Big Help Out to bolster grassroots sports. “We’re proud to help Connect Stars and other groups through our community champions and grants,” says Chris McKellar from Asda.
Spond Simplifies Volunteering Techniques in Football
Spond offers an intuitive football team schedule app and efficient team management tools. It simplifies organizing teams, managing schedules, and reduces volunteer stress. With Spond, volunteers can focus on crucial aspects such as teaching football techniques.
Gary Lineker’s commitment spotlights the critical need for grassroots sports volunteers. By using our event organiser app and participating in The Big Help Out, you can help sustain and grow local sports clubs and teams. Download the app today to find volunteer opportunities near you.
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