Volunteers matter—make sure they know
When I remember the times I volunteered to coach one of my kids’ sports teams, what mattered most was when the organization showed appreciation for busy parents like me who stepped up to help. It’s amazing how simple it is to make a volunteer feel like he or she is doing something that matters.
One of the first standout experiences was coaching my daughter and an excitable group in U5 soccer. The program administrator, who was a city employee, came to each coach at every game, simply said, “Thank you,” and reminded us that the league would not be possible without volunteers. We had games every Saturday, and of course, she had to be there, but instead of sitting and watching, she made sure to connect with all the coaches and ask how things were going. It was powerful.
There are so many other things youth-sports administrators can do to recognize valuable volunteers. Social media posts, end-of-the-year recognition, and presentations of special coaching gear are just a few of the many ideas that make volunteers feel appreciated. They all work, deliver an impact, and go a long way to build the value of youth-sports programs. And trust me, if leaders want to make recruiting and retaining volunteers easier, start with the key volunteers who are already there. Make them feel appreciated so they keep coming back and turning programs into something in which everyone wants to be involved.
An Innovative Campaign
Recently, one of our military youth-sports organizations was recognized with the prestigious Excellence in Youth Sports Award for a unique program it created to celebrate volunteers. Concerned about dwindling numbers of coaches following the pandemic, the recreation staff at Virginia-based United States Army Garrison Fort Gregg-Adams Youth Sports and Fitness took action. The team wanted coaches to know their efforts are valued, appreciated, and make a difference in shaping and molding young lives. In short, what they do truly matters.
So, the seed of an idea was planted, creative concepts sprouted, and a one-of-a-kind You Matter, They Matter campaign emerged, quickly growing into a massive differentiator for the program and everyone involved.
“What we wanted to do to help increase our participation for volunteers was to let them know that the work that they are doing out there on the fields does not go unrecognized, and that they do matter because they are the core to our program,” says Brittany Bigham, Youth Sports and Fitness Director at Fort Gregg-Adams. “Because the work that they do matters, it also matters for our youth because we are trying to shape and mold our youth for the future.”
To show that volunteers are heard and seen, the recreation staff worked with the base’s marketing team to create a year-round You Matter, They Matter recruitment video and short-segment videos featuring current and former coaches sharing why they volunteer and what it means to give back. Other videos feature young athletes who ask volunteers questions and even share insights about themselves and their favorite athletes.
“It was really great to see this little seed of an idea grow with such passion, from both our marketing team and our youth-sports family,” Bigham says.
The videos are shown on the program’s website and social media pages to drive home the importance of volunteers coming forward and getting involved in something so special. The recreation staff wants volunteers to know that they are needed and appreciated, with endless help and support available throughout each season. Through the innovative You Matter, They Matter campaign, Fort Gregg-Adams’ programs are flourishing with plenty of quality volunteers.