Club and League Volunteers
Our grassroots heroes
Across the country, 70,000 people serve as club and league officials, contributing to the overall 186 million hours devoted annually by the entire workforce.
Below is some information around the roles you can take up to volunteer with Middlesex Clubs and Leagues, as well as the resources for those volunteering already to build a satisfied and sustainable workforce in your football environment.
Volunteer Roles
There are many different roles required to run a football club or league, from on-pitch roles such as coaches and managers, to off-pitch roles such as fixtures secretary or treasurer.
We now have videos that help to bring these roles to life and editable role profiles for clubs and leagues looking to recruit for new volunteers.
Please click ‘Learn More’ to find out which role would suit you best, and the resources that are now available.
Volunteer Environment
Creating thriving community clubs & leagues is a fundamental strategic driver for us at Middlesex FA. One resource that has been created to do this is the ‘Retain & Thrive: Club and League Guide’, which is a self-assessment matrix aiming to increase volunteer satisfaction across the County football community.
This tool has been developed through extensive research and consultation. It addresses some of the common issues faced by volunteers and some of the solutions they actively want to see every Club & League commit to. By completing this self-assessment, we ask that you action any recommendations if suitable and commit to prioritising the people who make the game happen at your Club or League.
A Sustainable Workforce
The FA have developed a ‘People Plan’ designed to support anyone responsible for volunteering within grassroots football clubs. This ‘self-serve’ toolkit was designed by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and complements the FA Club Development Plan.
If you would like to find out more about the People Plan and gain support to complete this toolkit, please reach out to development@middlesexfa.com.
Staying Connected
To stay connected and informed, clubs and league volunteers are encouraged to utilise the FA Leagues and Clubs Clubhouse and the ‘In the Box’ England Football podcast. The Leagues and Clubs Clubhouse, accessible here, serves as a hub for valuable resources, discussions, and updates, fostering a strong sense of community among volunteers.
Additionally, the In the Box podcast is available on Spotify and offers insightful episodes on grassroots football, providing volunteers with tips, stories, and inspiration to enhance their involvement.
Together, these platforms aim to connect and support volunteers across our grassroots network keeping everyone well-informed.
Absolutely! Football clubs and leagues value all kinds of expertise and enthusiasm. Many roles require skills in organisation, communication, fundraising, and more, so there’s a place for everyone, regardless of their football knowledge. In fact, many existing volunteers use skills from their day jobs to support their local football club or league.
While some roles, such as coaching or refereeing, may require specific qualifications or training. Most roles require no previous experience and/or qualifications, however you may need to undertake training and safeguarding checks.
You can find local volunteering opportunities to you via this link. All you have to do then is reach out and ask about their volunteering opportunities.
The time commitment will vary depending on the role. Some positions, like coaching or refereeing, may require a few hours per week, while others, such as club secretary will need more administrative hours during the week. It’s important to discuss your availability with the club or league to find a suitable role for you.
There are a number of different volunteer roles available in football. Learn more about them here.