As a graduated Sports Development Student, I personally jumped at the opportunity to volunteer within a role of helping run the UK Cheerleading Association – Northern Ireland National Cheerleading Championships. Within the degree I undertook, there was never any opportunity to engage in anything as immense as these Championships.

In reflection, I feel it would be a credit and tribute to allow university students to undertake the responsibilities, trust and experience of leading and running such a large event. Already from my own experience I have seen first hand the benefits and opportunities this can bring, such as; providing an insight into the organisation and costs that go into running a National event, it will also engage and provide students with experience into an activity and sport which is increasing in popularity both in and out of school, and will furthermore provide students with the opportunity to make contacts (with coaches, judges, schools etc…), which may further help their development in sport and sports development.

As a final input I would like to highlight the most important and enjoyable aspect of volunteering which was seeing and experiencing the excitement, meaning and enjoyment this event brought to all participants, schools, teachers and judges. I found the talent incredible and gave me great motivation to obtain coaching qualifications in and around Cheerleading and Dance.

Deirdre Weatherall

I recently became involved in a Cheerleading event through a friend who is a volunteer Coach. I volunteered my time to help at the Northern Ireland Cheerleading competition in March. I found the people who run the event very friendly and helpful. They were happy to answer any questions I had and their enthusiasm for the sport was very inspirational.

I found the competition a fun experience even though I was meant to be working – it didn’t feel like work! I would urge anyone who wants to have a fun day out and wants to volunteer their time to get involved with UK Cheerleading. After this weekend I have decided I want to be part of this organisation and do my training to be a Cheerleading Coach.

Vicki Wharry

I became involved in volunteering within the N.I Cheerleading Championships through coaching Cheerleading and undergoing my Level 2 Cheerleading Coaching Award. However as a Sports Development student I found this a brilliant and fulfilling experience to encounter.

The event itself is a popular well known occasion, the enthusiasm of the young people, judges, audience and coaches is astonishing. This type of competition gives young people the opportunity to enhance their sporting ability and develop their skills to a high standard, and work towards competition level. The hard work and continuous effort that goes into competitions such as this pays of as the standard and performance of the sport from young people of all ages and abilities, the talent and standard was incredible.

Taking part in this experience has benefited me as it has let me gain more knowledge of the sport in many different aspects, the reason being that you get to partake in a range of different roles throughout the two day event. As a sports student it lets you get involved with people working within your line of work and opens many opportunities for you to pursue your knowledge and learn more. Overall I would recommend this type of voluntary work as it will teach you many different aspects of the running of an event, and develop your experience into a different sport.

Laura Heaney