In an effort to assist clubs across the state with the recruitment and retention of volunteers, Football Queensland has unveiled its Volunteer Guide.
The Volunteer Guide is dedicated to the many volunteers who ensure that Football Queensland’s 180,000 participants enjoy their football year-in, year-out. However, in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic, two out of three volunteers across the state made the difficult decision to stand down from their roles.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of football across not just Queensland, but grassroots football in Australia. Football Queensland CEO, Robert Cavallucci, acknowledged that the Guide was a significant addition to the range of support services made available to clubs throughout the state.
“This clear, easy-to-read Guide focuses on three key areas including understanding volunteers, the role of volunteer coordinators and the ‘four R’s’: Recruitment, Retention, Recognition and Review,” Cavallucci said.
“At Football Queensland, we recognise that volunteers are the lifeblood of the game and vitally important to the ongoing growth of football throughout Queensland.
“Whether it be at a grassroots community club or one of the elite clubs in the National Premier Leagues Queensland, volunteers play a crucial role in club operations and making the world game Queensland’s most popular participation sport.
“However, research by Volunteering Australia suggests that an estimated two in three volunteers stepped away from their roles in 2020 due in part to COVID-19 restrictions.
“This only strengthens our resolve to meet our strategic objective to make working in football easier for those selfless clubmen and women who volunteer their time to run our clubs, manage our teams, referee our matches, staff our canteens and much more.
“As part of FQ’s Club Support Hub, the Volunteer Guide offers clubs practical assistance in building a strong foundation for volunteers to join, stay and encourage others to help.
“Volunteers have never been more crucial to sport and this Guide will help clubs grow the game throughout Queensland and make football the game of choice, for all, for life.”
