Monday 04-06-2018 - 09:56

This year, we recruited four Sport Volunteering Ambassadors to represent what sport volunteering is all about. 

We're sharing their stories to tie in with Volunteer's Week. Our footballer Russell Townsend is next up.

Russell studies Business while taking on his role of Men’s Football Chair. Russell’s achievements this year have been nothing short of extraordinary, recognised by many by winning the MMU Sport Committee Member of the Year Award at the Sport Awards Ball this year, along with the Outstanding Contribution To Volunteering Award at the Volunteering Awards. Russell has used his position as Chair of Men’s Football, larger than life personality and character to promote sports volunteering and lead by example. Throughout the year, he has been involved in a number of sports organised by MMU Sport - however, his most significant impact has been through his influence on his peers.  Within the Football Club, he has encouraged his peers to give up their time, take part in fundraising efforts as well as central campaigns, and with a smile on their face and clear team bond.  Examples of this include a Food Bank collection, running the Manchester 10K and raising over £1000 for charity and hosting pop up stall to raise awareness of men’s mental health. Here’s what Russell had to say about what he did this year:

"As chairman of the university's Men’s Football team I set out to rectify several issues within the club. Primarily this was performance. However, as many are aware performance starts before you step foot on the pitch. I wished to ensure as a squad we looked the part and trained as effectively as possibly. Working alongside our coach and the development office at the University we have since engaged with two volunteering coaches, as well as landing the University's very first leisurewear sponsorship.

I was part of a 'Can You Kick It', a campaign to help get local kids off the streets and onto the pitch. Myself and several others from the men's football team went down to show our support to the campaign, speak with the young males about the importance of playing football and staying out of gangs as well as playing and officiating the matches for them, providing them with an opportunity to express themselves by other means. This is something the club can maintain year on year to help the community."

 

Russell graduated  this year and is moving on to study a Masters in Sheffield Hallam.

Check out Harriet Dorrington-Ward's story and Harriet Bell's story too.

Interested in volunteering in sport? Find out more here.

Learn more about all our different volunteering opportunities here.