Name: Viv Carveth
Course: Sport and Exercise Science
School & Dept: SSEHS
Current Year: 3rd
Role(s) undertaken within sport at Loughborough:
Umpire Sec, Hockey Officiating Hub Manager, Hockey Club Chair
Viv Carveth
Hockey Officiating Hub Manager
In addition to being a high-level umpire herself, Viv has taken on the role of Women's Hockey Umpire Sec and has done a brilliant job organising umpires and supporting the men's club with their umpire organisation.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):
I grew up in Cornwall, where hockey provisions are thriving but at a very recreational level. When I moved away to work at a school in my gap year, I couldn’t play as Saturday league games always clashed. I missed the sport, so I umpired an u14 game on a random Sunday to help someone out. I realised soon that being a part of hockey differently was very rewarding and allowed me to be a part of it. Two years down the line, I’m umpiring internationally and domestically in the National League. It’s been a whirlwind of a journey, but the people I’ve met make it such an amazing thing to be a part of. Professionally and personally, I’ve grown a lot, and I hope it’s something I can carry on with into the future.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
Through the support introduced by hub managers, I have been able to watch the progression of club umpires to umpiring in the national league.
During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
IMS cup finals, BUCS Big Wednesday national finals, general BUCS fixtures, IMS varsity Fixtures, winning Official of the Year at CVA awards, taking on the role of Officiating hub manager and helping to create the officiating academy and running football officiating at Loughborough, BUCS awards at Warwick University, officiating commercial fixtures such as premier league academies.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
The support from CVA has been pivotal to the progress I’ve made as an official. In addition, it has also allowed me to try leadership roles and develop those professional skills.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
The skills I've gained from a role within Loughborough Sport have allowed me to take steps closer to a career I am passionate about. Without being involved in a voluntary, organisational role I wouldn’t have come to this conclusion. It allowed me to develop confidence and critical thinking as well as conflict resolution. Working with so many internal/external contacts has been a great introduction to the working world.
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?
It doesn’t matter how much time you have, if you have a passion for something, get involved anyway. You’ll only regret not doing so and you’ll get to meet so many amazing people along the way.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Being able to take part in high level performance sport is exciting and enjoyable. Being able to share my knowledge and love for the sport with others is also a massive part of the role.
The skills learnt from volunteering are just not achievable in other parts of life. Doing something purely for the love of it and the benefit to others is great.
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Viv's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like this.