A campaign aimed at getting more people volunteering within grassroots sport was launched this week.
Sports volunteering charity Join In and BBC Get Inspired have come together to unveil the Big Help Out campaign.
The campaign, launched with help from comedian Eddie Izzard and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, has the goal of encouraging 10,000 new volunteers to help out at local sports clubs, groups and events.
Despite 3.2 million people giving their free time to sport across the UK, seven out of ten clubs still report that they need more help.
Join In research has found that for every volunteer at a sports club, an additional 8.5 participants can enjoy community sport. With the Big Help Out campaign aiming to add 10,000 new volunteers, the knock on effect is to dramatically increase capacity for sporting participation.
“Real heroes don’t wear capes or masks, they’re in the community around us, helping out at local sports clubs and using their super skills to help with fundraising, coaching, social media and everything else it takes,” said Izzard.
“But it’s not just the players that benefit, these local heroes also feel happier and healthier for helping out.”
The Big Help Out campaign aims to build on the success of last year’s #BigThankYou campaign at BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2014. The campaign last year saw thousands of sports stars, clubs, players and organisations from across the UK say thanks to volunteers who dedicate their time to grassroots sport across the UK and helped to build their career in sport.
Baroness Grey Thompson said: “Volunteers have played a vital role in my career.”
“Their motivation, dedication and commitment has helped me progress in sport and they continue to help athletes, at every level, to take part in and enjoy sport.”
For more information on the Big Help Out campaign, click here.
For more information and to find volunteering opportunities near you, click here.
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