WLV Sport Volunteer Case Studies

Jack Bolger started his journey at the university on a foundation degree and progressed on to studying Football Coaching & Performance on Walsall Campus. 

Jack started volunteering from the age of 15 years old and has gone from strength to strength increeasing his knowledge, experience and contact list! Jack has worked with the likes of Walsall FC and Wolves Wanderers as a pre academy coach and womens team analysist. His dedication has led to paid work opportuntities and has paved the pathway to a great career once he graduates. 

Jack's advise for to first years joining the univeristy is to 'Take the leap into volunteering and meet great like minded people, lecturers are always happy to help if you put the work in to'

Jamie has volunteered himself to lead new social Judo sessions at our City Campus. Although Jamie, himself competes at a high level in Judo, he recognises the different abilities of those at the social sessions. Due to Jamie, numbers have remained consistent across the year, confirming that those in attendance are enjoying the sessions that are being delivered!

Jamie graduated from his Business Management Degree this summer and we thank him for all his hard work and wish him the all the best with his career in business and sport!

Josh has demonstrated a huge commitment to the role of Sports Activator. Josh has led various social sport sessions including basketball, wheelchair basketball, badminton, and table tennis. In delivering social basketball sessions, Josh has not only taken on the role of activating the session, but also coaching the session. His enthusiasm for developing players, of all abilities, is unmatched and largely recognised by his peers and staff at the University. Further to this, Josh expanded the offer by introducing and managing 3x3 competitions at City Campus, which proved extremely popular with all the participants in attendance.

Kieran has been assisting with the basketball programme at the University for several years. He has logged over 200 hours this year and shown great dedication to both the male and female basketball teams and supporting the Basketball head coach. Kieran, a graduate of the University, has continued to support WLV and now plays a lead role in the development of those that participate within the basketball programme. Kieran is currently completing his level 2 coaching badges alongside his coaching commitments as he aspires to better himself and those players whom he coaches. Kieran has also demonstrated excellent values, with students looking up to him as a mentor and friend.

Kai & Benji have given up a vast amount of their own time this year to assist WLV Sport with the development and management of the football development team. This role is much more than just turning up to training and matchdays as they are responsible for organising the whole team, as well as planning for training and matchdays. They also act as the main line of communication, ensuring messages from the sports development staff team are relayed to the players and vice versa. In performing this role, they have both furthered their professional development alongside their studies.

Javaniea has taken coaching and volunteering by the horns in his first year at university. He has volunteered over 200 hours with several organisations (Walsall College, Gornal Mini Kickers, Sporting Khalsa or Walsall Academy). Feedback on Javaniea is always very good and he has earned multiple coaching awards, CPD and qualifications.

He is always the first to attend and step forward to make a difference. However, Javaniea is still committed to developing himself as he watches and shadows others to learn.

Cory Ashleigh Hundal is approaching her 3^rd year as a Sports Exercise and Therapy Student. After a rigorous and competitive selection process we are proud to announce she has been accepted on the FA Womens’ Leadership Programme. Cory’s passion for Football and ‘Changing The Game’ for Women is what made her application a success and we look forward to seeing Cory progress in the programme and represent the University amongst fellow students from Universities across the UK.

Cory is always forefront when she volunteers at events and not afraid to get stuck in whilst supporting her peers which highlights her developing leadership skills and will be key to her thriving within the programme and beyond!