Tell me a bit about your volunteer/coaching role?

I help at the junior fitmums session with kids ages 5-9years. I help the coaches by getting the equipment ready and setting up the session and tidying away at the end. I join in demonstrating how to do things, and if there are any kids who are struggling in the session I help to do 1:1 so the coaches can give their attention to the whole group.

Why do you volunteer/coach? What have you gained from doing this?

I volunteered because I wanted to start to learn about coaching athletics as it is something I am interested in doing and hopefully want to go on to do more training. I have learned some skills in teaching and supervising. I feel more confident. I find the sessions fun and really enjoy helping the kids learn about being fit and active and having fun with them.

What would you say to someone who's thinking of getting into volunteering/coaching?

Talk to someone with experience in coaching, and see where you can join in. It’s a good thing as you’ll learn new skills and also have fun.

Were there any barriers you had to overcome to become a volunteer/coach?

I was a bit nervous about doing the sessions as I had never done anything like it before and i was a bit unsure what other people my age and the kids I was helping would think of me volunteering . I had to build my confidence and the other coaches have helped me overcome any fears and the more sessions I do the easier it gets.