Stars turned out at the City of Manchester stadium to celebrate one of the region’s most important collection of young people – the sports volunteers.
Over 200 youngsters aged between 14 and 20 turned up at the City of Manchester stadium for a day long Hands Up for Volunteering. Conference arranged by Sports Volunteering North West and supported by Sport England

Despite early rain they turned up from all parts of the region to listen to speakers and attend workshops covering sessions on coaching, sports planning and management.

Olympic stars Jason Gardener and Steve Parry along with former England table tennis captain Donald Parker spoke out in favour of the hundreds of unpaid volunteers who without whose help sport would not exist.

Olympic swimmer Steve Parry said:  “Volunteers are absolutely vital to sport.  Without them sport wouldn’t exist, it’s as simple as that.”

Ace athlete Jason Gardener a former Olympic gold medal winner said:   “It’s wonderful to see so many willing young people wanting to help out.  It’s a misconception that volunteering is boring.  It is a skilful occupation.  You have to be dynamic, inspiring and very skilled.”

.“The North West is a region that loves its sport and the response we have had clearly supports this,” said SVNW chief executive Suzanne Glavin.

Stewart Kellett, Regional Director, Sport England NW: ‘Sport England is committed to supporting volunteers, and investing in a number of projects which offer training and the opportunity to gain coaching and other qualifications. Thousands of sports volunteers are making sport happen in the North West’s clubs, schools and community centres every week. These volunteers should be well placed to take advantage of the growth of jobs in the sports sector in the region. Volunteering experience is highly regarded by colleges, universities and employers in all sectors. This conference was a great way to find out more.’

The conference is supported by Sport England, Goldstar, the Lancashire Sports Partnership, Merseyside Sports Partnership, Cumbria Sports Partnership, Cheshire Sports Partnership and Greater  Manchester.

www.sportsvolunteeringnw.org