Volunteers are the life blood of every club and all clubs big or small are still looking for support for season 2015.
More than six million Australian volunteers give happiness to others each year. Research shows that those volunteers are happier as a result.
So far my stint within the GOTAFE GVFL has taken me to several clubs on match day from Mansfield to Kyabram, Seymour to Shepparton and the one constant I see is the tireless work of all volunteers at the clubs.
Some facts about volunteering
1. Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer – doctors should recommend it.
2. 96% of volunteers say that it "makes people happier".
3. 95% of volunteers say that volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing.
4. Volunteering results in a "helper’s high", a powerful physical and emotional feeling experienced when directly helping others.
5. Just a few hours of volunteer work makes a difference in happiness and mood.
6. Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health.
7. Altruistic emotions and behaviours are associated with greater well-being, health, and longevity.
8. A strong correlation exists between the well-being, happiness, health, and longevity of people who are emotionally kind and compassionate in their charitable helping activities.
9. The experience of helping others provides meaning, a sense of self-worth, a social role and health enhancement.
10. Volunteering is highly associated with greater health and happiness.
11. Volunteers contribute $200 billion to the Australian economy annually.
Whether its the "chefs" in the canteen or on the BBQ, the timekeepers in the box who are entering their 10th year in the role or the young water carriers who are out on the ground delivering water to their idols volunteering is what makes clubs run year in year out.
Don't forget its not just the work that's done in plain site as the above plenty of work is done behind the scenes by the club administrators ensuring that compliance on all levels is followed through.
As with everything in this day and age the number of people volunteering to help is diminishing.  Obviously their are a number of factors but if crowd support at venues is anything to go by there is a plethora of people who are interested in their local football club.
Volunteers are the backbone of football clubs. Meet new people and become engaged in the community by volunteering within your football club. Clubs are always looking for volunteers to assist them and there are endless roles that can be filled. Whether it’s one hour of your time or an ongoing commitment, it’s easy to share your skills and interests to give happy and live happy.
As a League we encourage everyone who is reading this to walk up to your president or a member of the committee and ask them can I help you do something today.
Last Modified on 27/09/2016 13:58