This week is National Volunteers Week and we are celebrating our volunteer coaches. Our Club is only as strong as our coaches. We have 93 volunteer coaches, 19 of which are youth coaches. Each of these coaches gives up an hour a week for training and at least another hour for game day, and then numerous other hours prepping, looking for drills and undertaking training and team activities. For some coaches who coach multiple teams, they contribute each week is up to 6 hours a week to help out club and players.
The Club is deeply grateful to all of our coaches.
If you are interested in coaching or taking in any other volunteer roles, please contact info@banyulehawks.com.au. We are currently looking for people to help with child safety, events, social media, well-being and conduct.
We wanted to use this week to introduce you to a few of these wonderful people and share their stories.
Today, meet Jason…
What team do you coach?
I’m current lucky enough to coach two boys teams, under 11’s & under 13’s
How long have you been coaching?
I threw myself into coaching back in 2019 when my eldest started playing in under 10’s
Tell us a little about you
I’m a father of 4 and husband to a wonderful & supportive wife. A Civil Engineer by trade and part-owner in two local businesses, RealTour3D & Evergreen Civil (sorry, shameless plug). I’m a sports tragic and still manage to take to the basketball court with friends each week.
What made you volunteer?
Originally, I threw myself into the role to make sure that my son and his team-mates were introduced to the game in a supportive & fair environment. Having been involved with a number of local sporting clubs in the past I also knew that clubs need the help of volunteers for them to survive and thrive. It was also a great opportunity to spend some time with my kids.
What’s the best thing about coaching?
Whilst the obvious answer is to see all the kids enjoying themselves on the court, more specifically, I also get a buzz from seeing them try something for the first time mid-game that we’ve practiced at training. Even if it doesn’t work, I love that they’ve given it a go.
What advice would you have for someone thinking about volunteering?
If you have a passion for it, then jump in!!! It was a leap out of my comfort zone originally, but I’m thrilled that I did. Along the way I’ve met some fantastic people and the support I continue to received from the club is fantastic – now they can’t get rid of me.
