From coaching and event management to officiating and marketing, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our sporting ecosystem, shaping and supporting sport at every level.
At the core of student sport volunteering is our Coach and Volunteer Academy (CVA), engaging hundreds of students, staff, and members of the local community each year.
Through the CVA and beyond, our student volunteers continue to make an extraordinary impact.
To find out how to get involved with the CVA visit the CVA website, and to hear about upcoming volunteering opportunities visit the CVA Portal.
How our students get involved
- Coaching and Teaching: Students who gain coaching and teaching qualifications often give back by coaching student teams and teaching children in the local community.
- Officiating and Umpiring: Aspiring officials gain hands-on experience, supporting student teams and fixtures throughout the year.
- Sport Event Management: Students get involved in organising and running sporting events, coordinating volunteers, and developing valuable event planning skills.
- Marketing and Media: Students take charge of social media, capturing the best moments of the season through photos, videos, and interviews, while growing engaged online communities.
- Performance Sport: For students aiming for careers in elite sport, volunteering offers hands-on experience in performance support, complementing their academic studies.
Volunteering beyond the CVA
- Athletic Union Clubs: With 63 student-led clubs, volunteers manage everything from leadership and finances to student welfare.
- Recreational Sport: Over 60 free sessions run weekly, led by student activators who create inclusive, welcoming environments for all participants.
- Student Executive Team: This team shapes the sporting experience at Loughborough, driving new initiatives while developing vital skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork.
The universal impact of volunteering
Every student's motivation to volunteer is unique, but the impact is universal. Volunteering enriches university life, creates a diverse and connected community, and provides invaluable skills, meaningful experiences, and a strong sense of purpose for all involved.
Kelly Bramley, Work and Opportunities Officer in the Careers Network added: “Volunteering can help students develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers.
"Additionally, it often provides real-world experience and networking opportunities that can enhance a student's job application and increase their chances of securing future work experience.”
Thank you to every student, staff member, and community volunteer who contributes their time and energy.
To see the impact of volunteering at Loughborough Sport, read the latest CVA Impact Report 2023/24.