Backflips to the future for Barrhead gymnasts
Volunteering as coaches helps Emma and Kyla build confidence
Two high-school pupils are fit for the future after signing up as sports volunteers.
The pair are gaining experience, building confidence and supporting sport and physical activity in their local community in their roles with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure.
Barrhead High School students Emma Porter and Kyla Pollock are working with trained coaches at weekly gymnastics classes for children.
Emma volunteers at Barrhead Foundry’s gymnastics classes on a Sunday morning while Kyla attends classes on a Monday evening at Barrhead High School.
“I volunteered at the summer holiday sports camps and I enjoyed working with the children,” Emma told the Express.
“When I heard there was an opportunity to volunteer at sports classes, I grabbed it. Volunteering has inspired me to continue working with kids as I love to watch their progress.
“It gives young people a great experience and helps them keep fit so it’s a win-win. I’ve become more confident working with people since I started volunteering.”
Kyla is also a volunteer with Police Scotland Youth and – having attended gymnastics classes for six years – was also keen to support young people in sport.
“The coaches are great and very welcoming and they’re helping me to develop my skills, confidence and communication,” Kyla said.
“I want to participate in East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s sports leadership academy next year and plan to progress to a coaching job, which I can do part-time while at university.
“It’s a great way to gain experience – I would tell anyone thinking of volunteering just to go for it.”
The trust, which operates four sports centres and 18 community centres and sports pavilions across East Renfrewshire, offers mentorship opportunities for sports enthusiasts and are on the lookout for more volunteers in the local area.
Community sports development officer Cameron Crowe added: “Emma and Kyla are fantastic additions to the team and their commitment, enthusiasm and passion helps to inspire the children in our gymnastics programme.
“We mentor and support our volunteers as they develop skills, knowledge and confidence working with children and our experienced sports coaches.
“Volunteers can choose the area that interests them or they have some experience in. We have opportunities in a wide range of sports, such as badminton, basketball and football. Many participate as part of their preparation for college or university, but we welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. We’re looking for people who are passionate about supporting sports and physical activity in their local community.
“Volunteering can lead to paid employment opportunities as sports coaches and we work closely with individuals to ensure they achieve their own ambitions for the future.”
To find out more about volunteer opportunities with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, visit www.ercultureandleisure.org/sports-arts/sports/volunteering-in-sport
I plan to progress to a coaching job which I can do part-time while at university