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Essex Athletics Network have been working hard to link with the ‘Are you ready?’ campaign and recruit more volunteers into their clubs. A lot of this work has been driven forward since the recruitment of Hayley Pegg as Network Volunteer Coordinator.

The network advertised the role on 9th January 2012 to coincide with the 200 days to go landmark and after an interview process, Hayley Pegg took up the challenge.  After a couple of months in the role and having overseen the network’s Try Athletics Day, England Athletics caught up with Hayley to ask her about her role.

What do you enjoy about your role? I like the fact I get to meet a variety of people and introduce them to a sport I love. Volunteer recruitment is a challenge for clubs and me but one I enjoy. Being able to help others is rewarding and the main reason why I applied for this role. I really hope in my role I can help to establish a network that is sustainable for years to come.

How have you been involved with Essex Network’s Try Athletics Event and how did it go? I took on the role of organising the Try Athletics Day and we had 38 children take part plus 2 younger ones. We had hurdles, sprints, long jump, high jump and javelin. All children had a go at all events and were very pleased to receive a Star Track goodie bag at the end. I tried to get all clubs present in some form, we had banners up and all clubs were mentioned in the programme. The coaches came from across the county and members from the clubs came to speak to parents on the day. We managed to recruit some volunteers and get interest in the LIRF sessions as well. A big thank you goes to all the clubs and volunteers for making the day happen!

What other work have you been involved with as volunteer coordinator? I have been recruiting volunteers for clubs within the network. I am working through them one at a time which is bringing up some good practice for other clubs. I am using all social media forms from Twitter, and Facebook to the network website. I am also having a lot of meetings and a lot of tea! I am finding the best approach is taking time to go and meet with the clubs and share ideas, then to go to training nights and events to speak to the parents. The personal touch is the key.

What steps forward have clubs made in volunteer recruitment and development? Benfleet RC were my pilot club and have transformed their waiting list into another club night session thanks to the volunteers provided. Southend AC, Chelmsford AC & Harlow are preparing to introduce volunteers into their clubs in the next few weeks and many have already been on a athletics leader's course. I look forward to future events, it was fantastic to see most Essex Athletics network clubs represented in some form or another this weekend.

Here is to a successful 2012 for the EAN! The events so far have highlighted how strong the network is and the impact we all have on athletes and their parents.

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