Why Volunteer in Paddlesport?
The whole sport depends on the input of volunteers. By giving some time to Paddlesport you can expect to:
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Gain nationally recognised qualifications
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Gain Canoe England awards for your hours
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Learn from experienced volunteers
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Develop transferable skills and knowledge
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Gain experience in different roles
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Have an impressive addition to your CV
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Enhance your employability
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Improve organisational and work skills
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Make new friends
Employees and organisations like and respect someone who volunteers their time - volunteering in Paddlesport will provide you with a positive addition to your CV.
Opportunities in Paddlesport
Young people can look on the volunteers opportunities section to find national, regional and club placements available to them. For more information, email volunteers@bcu.org.uk.
What training and courses can I do?
Click here to find out what workshops are available.
Youth Action Network
A group of young volunteers, Cadet Leaders and coaches have formed the Youth Action Network (YAN). This group of 14 young people provide regular support and advice to Canoe England's Volunteer Development Officer. Welcome to all the members of this group and a big thank you for the support you have provided Canoe England so far!
If you are interested in being a part of this group please contact Canoe England's Volunteer Development Officer.
Step into Sport
Step into Sport targets 14-19 year old sports minded students who are eager to develop their life skills and pursue a volunteering role in sport.
Step into Sport Placements
Young people can take on many roles within a club or centre, below are just a few:
Supporting Volunteer Coordinator General Administration
Assistant Treasurer Taking committee minutes
Media/Marketing Officer Fundraising
Assisting with Clubmark Writing development plans
Website/Newsletters Designing club logos
Promotional work Assistant coach
Checking boats and equipment Coaching schemes
Assisting events and festivals
Step into Sport Club Guide
There are numerous roles that these students can take on within your club and as they are trained through their school there should be minimal cost and time to you for them to adapt into your club environment.
These students can be invaluable to your club environment, relieving the time and pressure from your existing volunteers. In some clubs, students have been utilised to assist in continuing the work of Clubmark or writing and implementing the club development plan. Others have taken advantage of their computer skills by asking students to develop and maintain their websites. There are numerous skills that these students can offer to your club from coaching to administration.
Canoe England have designed a Club Guide to provide advice and ideas on how the Step into Sport scheme can benefit your club. The leaflet prints out into an A5 two sided leaflet. If you would like a hard copy sent to you, please email volunteers@bcu.org.uk.
Young Volunteer Schemes and Awards
As well as Step into Sport, there are a number of other awards and opportunities available for young people:
+ Cadet Leader - An award for young volunteers to gain their first step towards leadership and volunteering in Paddlesport.
+ Paddlesport Rewards Scheme - Available to young volunteers based on the number of hours which are completed as a volunteer. For more information email volunteers@bcu.org.uk.
+ Sports Leadership Awards - Based on leadership skills for young people aged 9yrs upwards.
+ Duke of Edinburgh - A challenging programme of activities aimed at young people aged 14 to 25.