George Gornall was a member of the fifth Young People’s Sport Panel, one of sportscotland’s flagship leadership programmes for young people, and has been involved in volunteering from a young age.
What was your experience of sport growing up?
I fell I love with sport from a young age and was fortunate to get to try lots of different ones. I started playing rugby in primary school and returned to playing and coaching the last few years. I did athletics, tennis, ballet and made some of my best memories playing football during high school! Sport has always been a huge part of who I am.
What is your volunteering experience to date?
I began volunteering with Active Stirling at the holiday camps. This led to further coaching opportunities before joining the YPSP in 2020. This led to the chance to volunteer with ClubSport Stirling, become and become the Youth Director at Scottish ClubSport. I’ve also had the chance to volunteer at EURO2020, the Davis and Billy Jean King Cup and next year at the 2023 UCI World Championships in Glasgow.
What, or who, inspired you to get into volunteering?
I was first exposed to volunteering my Active Schools Coordinator, I wouldn’t be where I am today without her! I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and fulfilment after completing my first volunteering experience and was inspired to find more opportunities.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
It’s the people you get to meet! There are so many interesting people out there with unique stories and amazing skills. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet these people, create connections, build friendships, and can open you up to finding future opportunities.
Have you had to overcome any challenges or barriers whilst volunteering?
I have always had the experience of organisations and people being grateful to have volunteers. Sometimes though you might find yourself in an unknown situation or out of your comfort zone which can be a real challenge and forces you to use your skills and initiative. Volunteering is such a great chance for personal development.
What advice would you give to others looking to get involved in volunteering?
Find that first opportunity and just say yes! It may be amazing; it might not be great but keep going. You’ll eventually find what you love, just keep saying yes!