More than kicking balls
Melbourne Rovers president Heath Wilson knows the value of a volunteer.
The soccer club’s head is currently managing different parts of running a club on his own and he admits he is struggling a little bit.
The Rovers, like most sporting clubs and community groups in general, are often in need of volunteer support.
For the Rovers, they need help with fundraising, recruitment, finance and even someone to work the canteen.
“We just need someone to spend time doing these things, we just need more hands to do smaller tasks and then we can build the club,” he said.
It’s a common problem for community groups let a lone gay sporting groups who often have to draw on their own athletes to help out.
But if the team doesn’t have players who are specialised in areas like finance, for example, it narrows the field.
“I think people shy away from volunteering because it’s a lot of work but from the Rovers’ perspective, it’s quite low maintenance so it doesn’t involve massive amounts of time,” he said.
“It takes a certain type of person to want to volunteer I suppose. They are a rare breed sometimes to try and get onto but once you get them they’re worth their weight in gold really.”
“I think it’s invaluable what volunteers do in regards to clubs and other charities.”
This week is national volunteering week around Australia.
To find a sporting club in Melbourne or Sydney, check out TeamSydney.org.au or TeamMelbourne.org.au.
