Campbell inspires next generation of young sports volunteers

19th December 2007

Sky Living For Sport Ambassador Darren Campbell joins students today at The Imagination Gallery in London to launch the Sky Living For Sport Youth Volunteering Project, designed to inspire 16-25 year olds to get involved in community sports initiatives.

The new drive, which taps into young people’s potential to become sports leaders and role models to younger children, is the result of a unique partnership between Sky, the Youth Sport Trust, and the youth volunteering charity v.

The Sky Living For Sport Youth Volunteering Project will engage young people who may not normally become volunteers, either through perceived lack of opportunity, lack of confidence or challenging circumstances. They will be offered encouragement and practical support to take their passion for sport out into their local community. In return, they can gain self-esteem, leadership and teamwork skills, as well as valuable hands-on experience, which can help them move into higher education or employment.

The project will work with schools and further education colleges to identify young people aged between 16 and 18, who will be invited to attend one of a series of ‘inspiration days’ around the country. Here, they will work with athlete mentors, including Darren, to equip them with the practical resources, tips and motivation to take their interest in volunteering forward.

On returning to school or college, their teacher will take on the role of mentor, helping them find a suitable volunteering placement. This will involve anything from organising sports festivals for younger pupils, to helping out with less traditional sporting activities, such as organising sessions at skate parks or with local youth groups.

Darren Campbell said: “Getting involved in sports volunteering through an initiative such as this can be a very powerful way for teenagers to raise their self-esteem and develop their potential through helping others, which is something I’m passionate about helping young people to do.”