#PKThankyou To Our Sports Club Volunteers

We all know that taking part in sports, regardless of how old we are, or how competent we are, is one of the best things we can do for our health and wellbeing.  For some of us that means a clear performance path to the Olympics and a fierce competitive streak, for others it’s a knockabout over a badminton court with the kids or a game of table tennis at the local club.  

Whatever your activity of choice, the chances are you’ve been part of a club at some stage in your life.  If I was to ask for a quick show of hands from past members of just three of Perth’s oldest and most established clubs - Jeanfield Swifts, Harriers and Perth City Swim Club (Pullars if you’re of a certain age!) - I’d be willing to bet at least half of you reading would be sitting proudly with your arm in the air!

A sports club is often our first social interaction outwith school and family, and the volunteers and coaches that run them are people we tend to remember forever.A sports club is often our first social interaction outwith school and family, and the volunteers and coaches that run them are people we tend to remember forever.  

Inspirational, fun and always pushing you to be your best, it is only as you grow older that you realise just how much these wonderful people gave up to stand around a pitch on a cold wet Sunday morning cheering you on! 

As grown ups we realise, as we wave our kids off to their football, gymnastics, table tennis and judo, that without the dedication of volunteers and coaches, community sport would be non-existent.

For example, within the 118 PACES registered sports clubs that run throughout the area, there are over 600 volunteer coaches serving 7420 participants. That's a lot of free hours ploughed into our wellbeing!

But ask yourself this. When was the last time you thanked your coach? Or your child’s coach? Or recognised the work your club committee does behind the scenes?

You probably do it as a casual comment at the end of the session, a quick 'thanks' as you run out of the door. But we're not talking about that - we're talking about big, public announcements of just how important they are to you and your team, family or sporting career.

Hazel Donaldson, Community Sport Officer at Live Active Leisure is asking us all to take a little time and do just that! Here’s what she said:

When was the last time you thanked your coach? Or your child’s coach? Or recognised the work your club committee does behind the scenes?“There are so many stats that show that volunteers and coaches remain engaged in their sport for longer if they feel they are appreciated and recognised for their efforts.  It got us to thinking that who better to thank them than the people directly benefiting from their efforts?

That’s why we’ve launched our #PKThankYou campaign. We’re aiming to promote a culture where more coaches and volunteers are thanked for the commitment they put into sport across Perth and Kinross.”

Simply film yourself, your team mates or your club colleagues saying thank-you to someone who makes a difference in your sporting life. The campaign will run from late November until late February, all videos will be shared on Live Active Sport social media before being collated to be displayed during the Perth & Kinross Sports Personality of the Year Awards to be held in February. 

On top of public accolade, each video submitted will be entered into a monthly prize draw with a chance to win £25 campus sports voucher for their nominee. 

If you need some inspiration, vist the Live Active Sport Facebook page for some great examples.

GALLERY

How You Can Get Involved In The #PKThankyou Campaign

Say a big #PKThankYou to the people who make a difference in YOUR sporting life; from grassroots clubs to high-performance coaches, minibus drivers to club secretaries, referees and parent helpers.  

Firstly, video yourself, team, club or group

• Filming can be done on a smartphone
• The video should be around 10 seconds long
• Remember to include the words “Thanks or Thank you” followed by a few ways your coach or club volunteer has impacted you, your sport or your club.

Second, send the video to Sport@liveactive.co.uk

• Remember to include your club and name in the email!