Name: Emma Rusted
Course: BSc Sport and Exercise Science
School & Dept: SSEHS
Current Year: 4th Year (just finished placement)
Emma Rusted
Lightning Netball Operations Placement, Handball Club Secretary, Lightning Netball Event Coordinator, Rutherford Sport Sec as well as various event roles.
Emma has volunteered in many capacities through her time studying at Loughborough, most notably within Lightning Netball as an Event Coordinator, which later led into their Operations placement. She has excelled in both roles and brought tremendous value to the programme
Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):
I grew up in a small town in Suffolk, and I was the first from my sixth form to come to Loughborough! I love playing sport (mainly netball and handball), although I really enjoyed being involved in the women’s football social league last year!
I love to fundraise for charity (mainly PAPYRUS), and I am currently training for a half-marathon and full marathon in April. I am aiming to raise over £500 in memory of my friend Finn. Alongside all of this, I love working in sporting events, and I would love to one day organise international events like the Olympics or World Cup!
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I first began volunteering with CVA as a Sport Sec for Rutherford in my first year!
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
I worked with Lightning Netball as an Event Coordinator in the 2023 season, and recently, I have completed my placement year as the Netball Operations Placement for the 2024 season. Alongside my placement, I was also the club secretary for AU Handball.
I have also been able to get involved in events on campus, such as Big BUCS Wednesday and National School games, as well as external events, such as the 2024 London Champions League Final! For 2024/25, I am really excited to be taking on a new role, where I will be part of the AU Committee as an Events Executive.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
Volunteering at Loughborough has been really rewarding. The university offers a wide range of opportunities, so I was able to try out different roles and find causes I’m passionate about. Through these experiences, I’ve developed new skills, gained confidence, and made new friends along the way. Plus, it’s been a great way to give back and make a positive impact on campus.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
Being involved with Loughborough Sport has been really beneficial to my growth, both personally and professionally. I’ve been able to develop my skills in teamwork, communication and effective time management, as well as increase my confidence and knowledge of the Event Management Area. It’s also been valuable to connect with staff in this area, learning about their career paths and gaining additional insights from their experiences.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
My top advice is to say YES every opportunity that comes your way! The more experiences you explore, the better your chances of discovering something you're passionate about. There is so many amazing roles available, you're bound to find one that you love! Plus, CVA is such a close-knit community, it is a great way to connect with others who share your interests.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
My favourite part of volunteering is the people you get to work with! Everyone is always so lovely, and it's really exciting to learn about their backgrounds. Plus, you also end up making friends that stay with you throughout university and after!
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Jamie's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like this.