Finding extra time for South West football volunteers

South West Sport’s new Club Transformation Program has become a real game changer for local growing clubs like the Corangamite Lions.

With the club’s recent relocation of its senior and junior teams from Scotts Creek to the Camperdown Showgrounds over 30 kilometres away, and a junior futsal program that’s nearly tripled in size over the last year, numbers are booming and the pressure on club volunteers was ramping up.

The Program workshops have been a lifesaver for the club, with the volunteer management training providing practical ways to lighten the load for the Lions core group of hard working club volunteers.

Club President Jamie Norton explains, ‘Before the training, many of the volunteer duties were undertaken by our club’s 4 key leaders, myself, Matt the Vice President, and Courtney and Lenise who shared the role of Secretary.

‘Having a small committee responsible for the registrations, fundraising, ground preparations, club dinners and more as well as playing and managing the teams – there was real danger of burn out.

‘With the help of the workshops, we were able to develop some key volunteer role descriptions and put a call out at our last awards night for recruits.

‘Straight away we had several members and parents put their hand up to chip in to help with sponsorship, grants and fundraising roles.

‘We are set to have 28 members attend our upcoming Annual General Meeting which will allow us to recruit more volunteers into the new roles and give our club leaders more time to manage the club's growth, promote the club throughout the region and more importantly, get back to playing and enjoying being part of the sport we love.’

South West Sport’s Club Transformation Program is one of 12 new initiatives backed by our Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program.

The Program supports sport and active recreation sector projects and partnerships that help attract and retain volunteers and staff, reduce volunteer workload, and ultimately increase participation opportunities for Victorians on and off the field.

Increasing sector capability and supporting the development of a highly skilled sport and active recreation workforce that in turn leads to a strong, sustainable industry is a key objective of Active Victoria 2022-2026 – A strategic framework for sport and active recreation in Victoria.

To find out more about the program and funded projects visit Sustainable Volunteer Workforce Program.