Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get involved?
Is there a minimum age?
Do I need any previous experience?
Will I need a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check?
Which Sports Clubs do you work with?
Is there a minimum time commitment?
Can I gain a formal coaching qualification?
What training and support is offered?
Will it cost me anything?
What if I don't enjoy it?

How do I get involved?
The first step is to contact Westminster Volunteer Centre, this can be done by filling in your details here (Link) . We will ask you to fill in a registration form which you can use to tell us what sports you are interested in, and the type of volunteering role you are looking for.

Is there a minimum age?
Each placement varies, but most are suitable for ages 16+.

Do I need any previous experience?
Most placements do not require any previous experience, however it will be beneficial if you have some skills relevant to the role and obviously have a passion for the Sport!

Will I need a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Check?
Yes, each placement will require you do a CRB check. This will be done by Volunteer Centre Westminster and will not cost you anything.

Which Sports Clubs do you work with?
We work with a huge variety of Sports Clubs across Westminster. If there is a Sport you are particularly interested in getting involved with, let us know and we will contact the nearest Club to find out if there are any opportunties suitable for you.

Is there a minimum time commitment?
Most opportunities are long term, or at least last the length of the Sports playing season. There are some opportunitites specifically during school holidays.

Can I gain a formal coaching qualification?
For all placements at Sports Clubs within Westminster there is an opportunity to gain Coaching Qualifications, which will be fully paid for by Volunteer Centre Westminster. If you are not volunteering in a coaching role, we are still able to fund a coaching qualification to help your develop new skills.

What training and support is offered?
We can fund any training that is initally required for the role (eg first aid, child protection training). Once you have been volunteering for a minimum time, usually 6 - 8 weeks we can look at funding further training relevant to the role. For example, if you are updating a Sports Club website, we could fund a web development course. Any training required to help you progress in your role at the club can also be considered.

Will it cost me anything?
No. The Volunteer Centre does not charge for finding you a placement, and will cover the cost of a CRB check and any other training required by the Sports club. The only cost to you will be travelling to and from the club whilst volunteering.

What if I don't enjoy it?
Each placement will have a trial period where you can see if the role suits your skills and interests. Volunteer Centre Westminster will contact you during the first few weeks of your placement to find out how things are going. If you are not enjoying it, we will look at suitable alternatives and be available to discuss this with the Sports Club. You will also have a main point of contact at the Sports Club (usually the volunteer coordinator) who you will be able to discuss any problems with.