The Ecosystem
the volunteer ecosystem
Our Volunteer Ecosystem has been created to help you consider all elements of volunteering, from how you share messages and stories to attract audiences to how you ensure that football volunteers feel valued and rewarded.
There is no silver bullet when it comes to building and maintaining a thriving volunteer workforce in football. Instead, there are many component parts that make up the volunteer ecosystem and these parts must be developed, curated, and sustained.
ecosystem definitions
The support in place to help volunteers in their roles
Inspire
The message and stories we tell to attract audiences into volunteering
Recruit
Where and how we communicate with potential volunteers
Train & Develop
How we support volunteers in order to meet both their and football’s goals
Retain
How we work to keep hold of our volunteers and make a difference to their lives
Celebrate
How we ensure that football volunteers feel valued and rewarded
Amplify
Who we get the message out to and how we reach them
how to use the ecosystem
You are encouraged to use the volunteer ecosystem approach to review your club’s current status across each of the component parts of the framework, considering what works well within your club and what challenges you face. This process will help to identify your club strengths and focus areas for development. A series of questions have been provided here to support in this process.
The FAW Trust is developing a range of resources to support clubs across each phase of the volunteer ecosystem. Navigate through the component parts of the volunteer ecosystem to find useful resources and case studies to support your club’s volunteering.
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.