Barrhead: Volunteers help young gymnasts develop their skills

Emma Porter and Kyla Pollock, both 16, lend a hand as volunteers with East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure (ERCL).

They work alongside trained coaches at weekly gymnastics classes for children.

Emma volunteers at sessions held at the Barrhead Foundry on Sunday mornings, while Kyla helps out at Barrhead High School on Monday nights.

“I volunteered at the summer holiday sports camps and I enjoyed working with the children,” said Emma, who is a pupil at Barrhead High. “When I heard there was an opportunity to volunteer at sports classes, I grabbed it.

“Volunteering has inspired me to continue working with kids, as I love to watch their progress. It gives young people a great experience and helps them keep fit, so it’s a win-win.

“I’ve become more confident working with people since I started volunteering.”

Emma Porter and Kyla Pollock with budding gymnasts Ivy Watt, Cassie Miller, Aidan Fallon and Emily Fallon at Barrhead Foundry

Fellow Barrhead High pupil Kyla, who is also a member of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, attended gymnastics classes for six years and is keen to help other young people embrace the sport.

She said: “The coaches are great and very welcoming and they’re helping me to develop my skills, confidence and communication.

“I want to participate in East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure’s Sports Leadership Academy next year and plan to progress to a coaching job, which I can do part-time while at university.

“It’s a great way to gain experience. I would tell anyone thinking of volunteering just to go for it.”

Bosses at ERCL, which runs four sports centres and 18 community centres and sports pavilions across East Renfrewshire, are on the lookout for more volunteers.

Community sports development officer Cameron Crowe said: “Emma and Kyla are fantastic additions to the team and their commitment, enthusiasm and passion helps to inspire the children in our gymnastics programme.

“We mentor our volunteers as they develop skills, knowledge and confidence working with children and our experienced sports coaches.

“Volunteers can choose the area that interests them or they have some experience in. We have opportunities in a wide range of sports, such as badminton, basketball and football.

“Many participate as part of their preparation for college or university but we welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities.

“We’re looking for people who are passionate about supporting sports and physical activity in their local community.

“Volunteering can lead to paid employment opportunities as sports coachesand we work closely with individuals to ensure they achieve their own personal goals and ambitions for the future.”

For more information about volunteering with ERCL, go online at www.ercultureandleisure.org/sports-arts/sports/volunteering-in-sport.