The Game Changers!
AT the London 2012 Olympics there were the ‘Games Makers’ – volunteers who helped the games run smoothly.
In 2017, Macclesfield Harriers and Athletics Club (MHAC) have their own ‘Game Changers’ – volunteers who are also training to become the athletics timekeepers and judges of the future.
The club is working with nine enthusiastic students aged 15 to 18 as part of a pilot project funded by England Athletics and the Spirit of 2012 organisation.
The Game Changers will gain experience in event management, marshalling and officiating through volunteering at local athletics events.
Additionally, the youngsters have the opportunity to gain a level one track and field qualification to be a qualified official – able to assist in a chosen role, such as track judge, starter or timekeeper.
So far the Game Changers have assisted at a club track and field event and two primary school cross country races. They are looking forward to the officials’ course and first aid training in November, followed by further track and field events to complete their level one qualification by February 2018. Robbie Peal, from Tytherington High School, said: “I joined the project to learn some new skills, and to be able to help out at more events, such as track and field meets and park runs.”
Game Changers team leader, Barbara Murray, said: “It is a real pleasure to have the opportunity to work with these young people and hopefully provide them with the chance to develop skills and expertise in the roles they take on.”
Club chairman, Keith Mulholland, added: “These roles are essential for MHAC to participate in track and field leagues and are particularly important for home fixtures – it requires up to 20 qualified officials to run a track and field event. Hopefully, we will follow up on the pilot scheme in 2018 to recruit additional coaches.
“Unlike some other sports clubs, our coaches are not paid and voluntarily commit a lot of time in what is a very rewarding and valuable role, encouraging young and the not so young to a more active way of life, which sets them up for future. The more coaches we have, the more athletes we can cater for.”
For further information about the Game Changers young volunteer programme at MHAC, contact Barbara Murray at MADFathletics@outlook. com.