Volunteers: An Essential Part of Non-League Football
Volunteers are crucial to the success of Non-League Football clubs. Throughout the season, we’ve spoken with various clubs, and it’s clear that establishing and managing a team of volunteers is vital for smooth operations both on and off the pitch.
Running even a small sports club resembles managing a business. Clubs should start by assessing their specific needs before recruiting volunteers. Identify which roles need coverage on match days and non-match days, then build a volunteer structure around those roles. Many great ideas fail due to inadequate preparation and recruitment.
Volunteer Requirements
Be specific about your needs. If you require five volunteers for every match day, ensure you have a pool of at least ten to call upon, as not everyone will be available for each match. Avoid throwing new volunteers into their roles without providing a clear understanding of what the responsibilities entail. Remember, training is essential. Learning to ride a bike feels easy once you know how, but without proper guidance, it can seem impossible.
Show appreciation for the generosity of your volunteers. Since they give their time for free, it’s important to recognize their contributions. Offer complimentary drinks or meal tokens, free match tickets or season tickets, and merchandise items. Consider inviting them to the Christmas party or the end-of-season celebration as a gesture of thanks.
Create opportunities for volunteers to showcase their talents and passions. For instance, if a volunteer has a passion for design, invite them to join your media team. Every club can benefit from having a finance expert involved in their accounts team.
Empower your volunteers by involving them in decision-making and project development. For example, if the club needs to decide where to sell matchday programmes—whether in the bar, coffee shop, or at a dedicated booth—let the programme selling team determine what works best. They can then share their insights with management.
How to Attract Volunteers for Non-League Football
Holding a fans’ forum or open night can effectively recruit volunteers. Organize the meeting in your clubhouse or a local pub, and provide free drinks and snacks to encourage attendance. A simple presentation by the Club Chair, outlining the club’s plans and the volunteer roles to fill, can attract the volunteers you need. You might be surprised by the expertise or experience that supporters or parents have to offer.
Advertise in your club’s matchday programme, on social media, or at www.nonleagueroles.co.uk. A potential gem of a volunteer might not come forward if they’re unaware of the opportunity to help.
Inquire at nearby colleges, as they may have students enrolled in media studies, social media marketing, or photography. These students are often eager to gain practical experience and build their portfolios, making them a valuable resource for projects that could benefit from fresh perspectives and creativity.
Hopefully, these ideas will inspire your next steps. With the help of volunteers, your club can grow, and the right individuals are out there; you just need to find them.