Case study – Young volunteer

Case study – Young volunteer

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Name: Hannah Gunn
Club: Hillingdon Slipstreamers
Role: Young Volunteer/Rider Rep

Why did you first get into volunteering?

I first got into volunteering at slipstreamers about three years ago because I didn't enjoy racing. Instead of taking part in the fast, competitive sessions my old coach Brian Write suggested I join the other riding coaches in taking the younger riders round the track. I really enjoyed it and began the British Cycling young volunteers scheme. I wanted to give something back to the club which I had been a part of for many years and had always planned to become a coach (if I didn't make it to the Olympics!) so that I didn't have to leave slipstreamers the age of 16.

Why is it important for young people to be involved in club development?

The young people at cycling clubs are the future of the clubs as most coaches and helpers are former members or parents of people at the club. The young helpers and racers can bring new ideas to the committee as they would know what the kids at the club enjoy doing, often the younger riders will find it easier to talk to somebody closer to their age than an adult. The young people are hopefully the ones who will help to continue the club for others and new ideas are important to keep the club interesting and exciting.

Why is it important for young people to get involved in volunteering in general?

I think it is important to get involved in volunteering because it is good to have an interest outside of school which is much more relaxed, where you can meet lots of new people outside of your normal group of friends and just have fun. A more practical side of volunteering is that it looks really good on school/ college/ uni applications or CVs. I was asked about my volunteering at all my college interviews! However the main reason I do volunteering and why I think others should be involved is because it genuinely makes me feel good, there aren't many other things I'd get up at 7:30am on a Saturday for!

If you could give any advice to young people wanting to get involved in volunteering what would it be?

My advice would be to do it! There are so many opportunities for volunteering in your local community, it doesn't have to be cycling. Guiding or Scouting groups usually could do with an extra Young Leader and other local sports clubs might need some help. The main thing is to find something you will enjoy doing, volunteering shouldn't be seen as a chore but as something you look forward to.