Justin Launches New Research On Important Role Of Volunteers In Sport

Justin Tomlinson MP has launched new research into the important role volunteers play in sport at an event in Parliament.

The North Swindon MP and Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Sport launched the research by the Sports & Recreation Alliance at the group’s summer reception.

The APPG for Sport holds regular meetings in Westminster to discuss issues affecting sport at every level – from grassroots clubs to elite competition. With the Sport and Recreation Alliance providing Secretariat support, it allows the Group’s members to draw on the knowledge and experiences of over 320 national representative bodies of sport and recreation. Justin Co-Chairs the APPG alongside Paralympic champion, Tanni Grey-Thompson

With more than 200 people in attendance, including MPs from all parties and key figures from across the sport & volunteering sectors, Justin set out the findings of the important study.

The GIVERS research provides out helpful tips for sports clubs looking to recruit, retain and reward sport volunteers. Volunteering plays an increasingly crucial role in civic society in the United Kingdom. Nearly a quarter of adults report having volunteered in the last 12 months in England. They do so for a number of reasons, but volunteering is clearly associated with improved health and wellbeing.

The research also showed that more than half of people do not realise that community sports groups in their area wouldn't exist if it wasn't for volunteers.

Alongside the report, the event also saw BT launch it’s new sports volunteer matching service. The tool, designed alongside the Sports & Recreation Alliance, matches eager would-be volunteers with grassroots sports clubs. 

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “As Co-Chair of the APPG for Sport, I was delighted to host this important and very well-attended event to launch the GIVERS research and the 'Join In' volunteering tool. Volunteers play a vital role in so many grassroots sports clubs - put simply without them many clubs wouldn't exist. In Swindon we are incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who give up their time and help ensure thousands of people across the town can enjoy a health & active lifestyle".

You can learn more about the new sports volunteering tool via: https://doit.life/join-in