volunteers
Grassroots football across Wales is led by an army of volunteers, each giving up time to support tens of thousands to play football within their local community. We know that volunteers face many challenges and that it is becoming more difficult to recruit new volunteers to help with running your clubs. The FAW Trust has developed Clwb Cymru to provide resources to help volunteers make their lives easier, and ensure that we can together sustain and develop a thriving volunteer community and grassroots game for the future.
Volunteering has been changing over a number of years, and there is growing evidence that the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated this shift with a decline in formal, long-term volunteering to a more short-term and informal volunteering participation. However, this has the potential to be a great opportunity for grassroots football.
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART OF OUR GAME
our volunteers
We already have an incredible 17,136 volunteers who give so much of their valuable time to help our game flourish.
4,825 of these superheroes volunteer away from the pitches themselves. They are the individuals who behind the scenes make sure that the club has all the right policies and procedures. They communicate to you and new members via social media and they ensure that the club is making good connections with your local community.
On the pitch, we see a tremendous 12,303 volunteers from coaches and managers, to team helpers and first aiders all helping our players enjoy the game from Penybont through to Penarth.
opportunities
A recent Sport Wales survey showed there is currently around 10 per cent of people in Wales who are volunteers in sport (2016-17 national survey for Wales). That number could soon treble as 30% of adults who took part in a survey into exercise habits during lockdown said that they are likely to volunteer within the next 12 months to support sport and physical activity in Wales, providing a huge opportunity for your club to attract more volunteers.
Further to this, the rapid rise of mutual aid groups and neighbours helping neighbours has revealed the desire for people to participate in civic life, often in small one-off tasks. This is a great time to renew and refresh your volunteering offer and clubs may need to consider this shift and adapt their approach to volunteering accordingly.
get involved
But if we are to continue to strive to enable more players to access our game, we need more people who are willing to lend a hand. By growing a talented, diverse, resilient, and engaged football family, together we can reach new heights for Welsh football, locally and globally.
To sign up to play your part, get in touch today at clwbcymru@faw.cymru
inspire
What it is
The message and stories we tell to attract audiences into volunteering.
Why it matters
Being able to connect club members with the community through personal motives and experiences can start a shift in the volunteering culture.
recruit
What it is
Where and how we communicate with potential volunteers.
Why it matters
The ability to encourage new people to be part of our wider football family, may help bring fresh ideas and more helping hands.
train & develop
What it is
How we support volunteers in order to meet both their and football’s goals.
Why it matters
Volunteering can be scary, but with the right support and guidance people can thrive and develop, benefitting the individual, club and wider community.
retain
What it is
How we work to keep hold of our volunteers and make a difference to their lives.
Why it matters
Understanding what motivates your volunteers will help you understand how best to support them and keep them involved within your club.
celebrate
What it is
How we ensure that football volunteers feel valued and rewarded.
Why it matters
By thanking your volunteers and recognising their achievements, you are more likely to retain them for future seasons.
amplify
What it is
Who we get the message out to and how we reach them.
Why it matters
Attracting an array of individuals to your club may help open up new avenues, bring different perspectives and help your club grow, develop and sustain.