News | JAMIE RICE
Jamie Rice has recently been appointed as SUNEE Student Volunteer Development Officer after impressing initially as a SUNEE volunteer.
The scheme consisting of the Universities of Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside aims to improve students’ employability by providing volunteering opportunities to develop and deliver sport sessions to a range of community groups, focusing on hard to reach groups as well as supporting the deliver and adding value to the work of existing sport partnerships.
In the last year SUNEE has developed a Second Chance programme alongside a multi-sports programme delivered by students to ex drug addicts and the homeless across the North East.
Jamie, studying Sport and Exercise Coaching Science, believes the project is a rewarding experience for students.
He said: “I wanted some practical coaching experience and meeting different types of people in the community seemed a great opportunity.
“My first experience was the Second Chance programme which was tough but equally rewarding. We managed to change the mentality of some taking part, for instance making them aware of the benefits of warming up and cooling down before and after exercise. Seeing this change in people showed that the project was working.”
Jamie began by taking supporting roles as a coach alongside other students but gradually took on greater responsibility after external partners commented on his hard work and passion for the volunteering role.
Vickie Todd, the University’s Sport Development Outreach Officer, who provides the volunteering experience in addition to developing pathways for students and acting as their mentor, believes Jamie has valuable experience to pass onto others in his new role.
“Jamie showed an impressive level of professionalism for student volunteering. He gathered a great deal of experience through volunteering in which he developed a wide range of skills which he can apply to the project to help other student volunteers.”
In just over a year SUNEE has quadrupled its’ number of student volunteers, making a significant impact around the University and in the local community.
The recent SUNEE conference at Newcastle University highlighted the great strides the project has made since its formation including delivering multi sport sessions in schools, colleges and community clubs and changing the lifestyles of disadvantaged adults.
Now a mentor to fellow SUNEE volunteers, Jamie spoke of the responsibilities and targets for the remainder of the academic year.
He explained: “I want to consolidate the work we have done so far and build on the achievements within the local community. Previously we were waiting for people to volunteer for roles but now with a new updated database with plenty of courses, we are promoting them to students and aim to continue this process.”
“We recently put in place a personal pathway development scheme which guides volunteers through their goals, offering career advice in terms of how to gain the required skills, coaching qualifications and work experience needed for when they apply for jobs upon graduation.”
“We are looking to identify the qualities needed for their chosen career, assessing positions, giving feedback on how they can improve their skills in order to achieve their potential.”
Vickie believes working as a Student Volunteer Development Officer will stand Jamie in good stead for when he graduates and would urge fellow students to join the growing project.
“Don’t leave it till your third year when you suddenly realise that you need experience as well as a degree to compete in today’s job market.
“SUNEE is continuing to support and deliver programmes in year two, the partners that are engaged are very keen to build on their relationship with SUNEE and have now got the confidence to give students more responsibility.
“During year one Teesside students proved what they were capable of and are now seen as a valuable asset in terms of supporting sport within the Tees Valley and on a regional level.
“Take all the opportunities available to you throughout your time at University so you can develop yourself and build a reputation as an outstanding student volunteer who would be a strong candidate for jobs when you graduate.”
Mark Hawkings, director of sport at the University of Teesside, is currently aiming for volunteers to open up the University to disadvantaged people by inspiring them into how they can lead their life.
“We want to improve the reputation of SUNEE both internally and externally and see an increase in the number of volunteers.
“It is a challenging role, but a fun and very rewarding one that makes a difference to the lives of others. The added value of quality practical experience and acquiring key skills will give students the edge when applying for graduate jobs.”
Jamie echoed Mark’s words, believing he has reaped the rewards of volunteering with SUNEE.
“A lot of hard work and organisation is involved but I really like the responsibility of helping others like I was helped when I joined the project two years ago.
“I’m particularly interested in teaching or a role as a sports development officer and gaining the practical experience with SUNEE has been beneficial for whatever career I choose.”
Article written by SUNEE journalism scholar Jonathan Moon
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