Each year, Volunteers’ Week celebrates the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities. For this year's Volunteers' Week we're taking a look at some of the members of our team who give their time, skills and energy outside of their day jobs to supporting their communities to be active. From fitness and football, to inclusive sport and muddy trail runs with dogs, their journeys show how volunteering not only supports others but also enriches their own lives in return.

Find out more contribution they make and why they feel passionate about volunteering in this blog.

Laura, Making a Positive Impact on Fighting Fit Participants

For the past two years, Laura Spurr our Skills Manager / Active Community Connector for East Lindsey has volunteered with the Fighting Fit programme run by the Lincoln City Foundation. In this role she assists lead coach Phill to deliver varied exercise routines for people living with or recovering from cancer, offering encouragement and guidance to participants, and fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Laura's involvement with the Fighting Fit programme began with a desire to combine her passion for fitness with a commitment to giving back to the community. As a fully qualified Personal Trainer who ran her own PT business before relocating to Lincolnshire, Laura was particularly drawn to the Lincoln City Foundation's Fighting Fit programme after being introduced to the sessions by the Duty Manager at the group’s venue, Station Leisure and Learning Centre in Mablethorpe. Having a professional understanding of the profound impact of physical activity and wellbeing, she recognised the invaluable work the Foundation does in reaching out and making a tangible difference in people's lives.

Laura commented: I am incredibly grateful for the support of Phill and team lead, Alice, and the Foundation's investment in my professional development through funding that allowed me to gain my Level 4 Cancer Rehab qualification, further advancing my ability to support participants.

What I enjoy most about my role is the direct positive impact I witness on the participants. Seeing individuals, some of whom may have initial anxieties about exercise, gradually grow in confidence, improve their physical capabilities, and build supportive relationships within the group is incredibly rewarding. The energy and enthusiasm of the participants is infectious, making the sessions one of the highlights of my week.

Laura's advice for anybody considering volunteering is:

• Firstly, identify your passions and interests. Volunteering is most fulfilling when it aligns with something you genuinely care about.
• Secondly, research local organisations whose missions resonate with you. Organisations like the Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS) can be a great resource for finding opportunities. Don't hesitate to reach out and enquire about potential opportunities.
• Thirdly, be prepared to commit your time and energy, but also understand that even a few hours a week can make a significant impact!
  
  

Ian - A Lifelong Journey of Volunteering in Sport - From Judoka to Wheelchair Basketball Coach

Ian Brown, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager is a dedicated volunteer coach with over three decades of experience.

Ian's journey into volunteering began early. At just 11 or 12 years old, he helped his parents run the Yarborough Judo Club, supporting new judokas and managing the table at local mini-mons competitions. By 19, Ian became the first wheelchair user to qualify as a British Judo Association (BJA) club coach - a landmark achievement that hinted at what was to come.

Following a motorbike accident in 1991 that left him paralysed from the chest down, Ian shifted his focus to wheelchair basketball. What began as informal sessions with friends and students from St Francis School at NK Leisure Centre in Lincoln soon became something much bigger. Although he was initially unqualified, Ian was driven by passion and a desire to make sport more accessible.

Over the last 34 years, Ian has coached players of all ages and abilities. Under his guidance, many have built confidence, improved their health, and formed lasting friendships. Some have even progressed to the National League or represented their country in the Paralympics. Ian now continues to volunteer 3–4 times a week as a Level 2 coach, chairs the Jaguars Wheelchair Basketball Club—a role he’s held for over 20 years—and contributes as a classifier. He still plays the game himself.

His dedication has not only transformed lives but also led him into a fulfilling career in sport and physical activity.

Ian reflects:

It’s truly humbling to know you were part of that journey. The years have flown by. For me, volunteering is about passion, perseverance and the joy of seeing others thrive. Volunteering has also opened doors for me professionally, leading me into a rewarding career in sport and physical activity.

Paul – Creating Connections on the Canicross Trail

A few years ago, Paul Chandler, our Marketing & Communications Manager, teamed up with a couple of friends set up Canicross Lincolnshire, a social running group for people to get out into nature and run with their dogs. Canicross is trail running with your dog; they're attached with a shock absorbing bungee lead attached to a belt and harness. With a bit of training, the dogs provide an extra boost as you weave through woodland trails.

A self-described reluctant runner, Paul first started running as a way to exercise his energetic spaniel-cross. Since then his love of canicross has grown and he wanted to find a way to share it with others. With no clubs in the county, there was a real gap. Paul knew of plenty of people who wanted to enjoy running in nature with their dogs as a group, and since setting up Canicross Lincolnshire it has grown considerably.

Paul has now led over 100 runs, with participant numbers ranging from 5 to 30. Runs typically take place early at weekends, with the group sticking together to ensure no one is left behind.

Paul commented:

It's great to be able to share a sport I love with others and help be part of creating opportunities for people to be active in a different way. We don't head out to be competitive, just to have fun with other like-minded people. I'll be honest, I don't really see it as volunteering - I'm heading out to run just like everyone else who turns up, and enjoy it as much as everyone else (if not a bit more, especially when I've picked a muddy route!). The club has given me far more than I've given it over the years. Not only have I enjoyed running with others but it's always great to see the people who turned up anxious for their first run, now loving it as much as we do, leading runs themselves and some even going off and competing.

Paul's advice to anyone considering volunteering is:

Volunteering can be whatever you want it to be. It's about sharing your passion. People think about this huge commitment but it doesn't have to be, you can do it in a way that works for you. Ultimately if you're sharing your time and can do it with a smile on your face, you will be helping someone in some way.

Richard Journey into Coaching - From Player to Grassroots Volunteer

Richard Bell, our Sports Welfare Manager, volunteers as a coach for a local football club, where he plays a vital role in supporting young players' development. A passionate sportsperson in his youth, with a particular love for swimming and football, Richard’s first taste of volunteering came at age 14, when he helped run junior sessions at Horncastle Town FC.

Years later, when his own son joined a local football team, Richard found himself back on the sidelines - this time as a parent. His involvement quickly deepened when he was asked to coach his son’s team.

Richard admitted he was reluctant as first, but two year on he is loving it. He told us: "

Whilst at University, I completed the FA Level 1 Football Coaching qualification. When I started coaching I began attended FA coaching workshops and online courses to develop my skills. The most rewarding aspect of my role is seeing young players grow and develop. Watching them improve their skills, gain confidence, and overcome challenges while developing a love for the game is incredibly satisfying."

"I also value the positive impact I can have on their lives, both on and off the field. It allows me to replicate the lasting, positive influence my own coaches had on me. The camaraderie and friendships within the football community are unique, and I feel privileged to help enable those connections."

Richard's advice for anyone interested in volunteering is:

Don’t hold back from getting involved. Many volunteers are parents first, and clubs rely on volunteers to run. If you’re worried about time commitment, offer your support on a set basis to start and build up from there. In grassroots football, personality, adaptability, approachability, and patience are often more important than formal qualifications and experience.

Team members at Active Lincolnshire are now offered the opportunity to take 2 hours a month to volunteer with local organisations, as part of the wider package of benefits.

Volunteering - Discover opportunities and advice

Find out more about Volunteers Week on their website.

If you're inspired to start volunteering you can find volunteer opportunities on the Lincolnshire Volunteers Website. Find out more about the benefits of volunteering in sport and physical activity, and advice on recruiting volunteers for your club or group on our volunteering pages.