To celebrate Volunteers Week, we would like to thank each and every one of our volunteers who have yet again stepped up to the plate this season, whether on the ground or with admin, captaincy, coaching, etc. Your commitment is invaluable.

It's a common complaint across the country, irrespective of the sport, that there are not enough volunteers to run a club well - in many cases not enough to run the club at all and some volunteers are at breaking point as a result. Volunteering has become a more onerous effort with greater responsibility and accountability than ever before.

Amateur sports clubs, including us, are heavily reliant on volunteers and a shortage of willing volunteers often means a small number of people shoulder even more responsibility, which leads to frustration amongst existing volunteers which can eventually evolve into these important roles becoming less desirable.

If you can spare the time to volunteer at the club, you will not get paid but there are other ways to reap the benefit of being involved.

For students approaching the end of their studies and for recent graduates, volunteering can be a great addition to your CV. The fact that a young job applicant has demonstrated a willingness to look beyond academic studies to further their employment prospects, would be looked upon favourably by recruiters and shows an intent to develop as a rounded individual rather than someone with a boxed set of skills.

It is not just graduates that can see benefits from a career perspective, at any level volunteering extends your network and has the potential to open doors. There is also the feel-good factor which can provide a welcome release from the day-to-day stresses of your professional role.

Being involved in a club as a member gives instant insight into the broader community but committing your spare time towards the success of the club creates a deeper connection that brings its own rewards. As a volunteer, you can share in the success of the club and experience the emotional reward of contributing to its sporting success. Well run clubs and on-field success usually go hand-in-hand, so a lasting contribution as a volunteer can have a significant impact on how a team is funded and resourced, which leads to a team being better prepared and therefore better equipped to perform on the field of play.

For parents, volunteering can be an opportunity to spend more time with your kids and be part of their personal development outside of school or just a great way to switch off from a busy professional life for a few hours each week.

Volunteering can create opportunities to explore something entirely new (e.g. coaching) and may open the door to a new challenge. It's also likely that as a volunteer, you will extend your network and work with people in the community who recognise your skill-set and put you in touch with others in their own networks.

If you have the time and the desire to contribute, please speak to us. We will always accept offers of help.

If you are interested in volunteering at the club, please contact Paul on 07795 154444 or at paul@stchadscc.com.