The University of Strathclyde Sports Union has 44 sports clubs, ranging from Aikido to Hockey, Sub-Aqua to Rowing to Volleyball. The Sports Union is situated on Level 7 of The Union, right at the heart of Student Involvement. To become a member of the Sports Union, registration is required to join our membership. Once you have joined, there are many different opportunities to become involved in volunteering, from assisting in SU events to running an individual club committee. The SU club members are active and social people so being involved offers a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends, as well as keeping fit and competing in sport.

What do Sports Union volunteers do?

Executive Committee Volunteers

Sports Union Executive Committee members are elected onto the committee at the Sports Union AGM, which takes place around March-April time. Exec Committee members are responsible for the growth and development of the Sports Union and have a range of duties. They have a specific responsibilities according to their role (i.e. IT Officer), but also contribute to a number of sub-committees (finance, development, communication) and have a wider role in all SU policies & procedures, activities, and events (Superteams, Sports Ball, City of Glasgow Cup).

Club Committee Volunteers

Club Committee Volunteers are elected onto the individual club committee at the club’s own AGM, which normally takes place around April-May time. Club Committee members have a range of roles which can differ from Captain/President to Secretary to Treasurer – depending on the structure and type of sport the club is involved in. Club committee members attend committee meetings, organise fixtures and recreational/social events, support members of the club and develop the sport. They can also assist in helping to recruit/retain members, contribute to health & safety policies, fundraising, sponsorship and be responsible for the administration and general running of the club.

Other Volunteering Opportunities 

The Sports Union are linked with a number of local and national volunteer programmes run by organisations such as Culture & Sport Glasgow, National Governing Bodies etc. Information and how to access these programmes can be obtained from the Sport Development Officer on 0141 567 5063 / sdso@sportsunion.strath.ac.uk or by visiting the Sports Union on Level 7.

What experience is needed and what commitment is expected?

Executive Committee Volunteers

No experience is necessary although committee members have to be elected to Executive positions – all positions will receive appropriate training and an extensive handover, along with a job role & responsibilities document.  Volunteers should have an interest in sport and be aware of the structure of University sport in Scotland.  The contribution of time is approximately 5-10 hours per week, which includes attendance at committee meetings.

Club Committee Volunteers

No experience is necessary however knowledge and understanding of the specific club/sport is helpful, particularly if you are dealing with a technical area such as coaching/officiating or equipment.  The amount of time dedicated is up to the individual/club, but what is known is that whatever you are able to contribute it will be valuable to both the sport and to you – the more you put in the more you will get back!

What resources and support is available?

The University of Strathclyde Sports Union receive an annual budget from the USSA which is then allocated to each individual club in order for them to participate in sport and run their activities. 

The Sports Union also offer a range of promotional & marketing tools for all member clubs to access – this includes website, Level 7 noticeboard, flyer holders and a range of noticeboards across the University campus (Library, Centre for Sport & Recreation, Jordanhill Campus).  Free room bookings, internal food & drink prices and support with marketing/design are available to registered members.  Directly staff support is available from the Sports President, Sport Development Officer and Sport Admin Officer.

What will volunteers get out of it?

All volunteers are provided with opportunities to meet new people, work as part of a team and develop a wide range of skills for their CV’s - including communication, organisational, time management and financial.  They can also gain experience in their sport(s) on a competitive/recreational level, and create links with the wider University/external partners which can be advantageous for future prospects and employment.

How do I join and where can I find out more?

Elections for the Sports Union Executive Committee are held at the SU AGM, where nominations for election are submitted prior to the elections taking place.  For further details on this, contact the Vice President Sports, Physical Activities & Wellbeing – 0141 567 5062 / ussa.vpspaw@strath.ac.uk

Any SU registered member can join any club throughout the year.  To become a member of the club committee, members must be voted in at that specific club AGM.  Further information can be obtained from the club (all club contact details are found in Level 7 or by visiting www.sportsunion.strath.ac.uk) or by contacting the Sports President on the details above.

To access any of the external Volunteering Programmes (Culture & Sport Glasgow, NGBs, Volunteer Scotland) please contact the Sports Development officer on 0141 567 5063 / sdso@sportsunion.strath.ac.uk