Roles undertaken within Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Sport
Football Officiating Hub Manager, football referee, referee coach
Tell us a little about yourself (E.g. hobbies, interests and background)?
I’m a football referee who started in my first year at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é and quickly found a real passion for officiating. I’ve met amazing people, built strong friendships, and grown massively in confidence. Outside refereeing I enjoy sport, science, and getting involved in the wider student community. I’m always keen on roles that challenge me and help me develop personally and professionally. I enjoy talking to people and putting myself under pressure.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é?
I first got involved through refereeing opportunities offered by Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Sport. I signed up in my first year, not fully knowing what to expect, but quickly realised how supportive and welcoming the community was. From there, I started taking on more fixtures, meeting new people, and getting involved in wider volunteering activities connected to officiating and student sport on campus. There was lots of support to help me when just starting out and now I have a vast skillset and confidence.
During your years at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é what have you got involved in through volunteering within sport?
I’ve officiated across a wide range of student and local fixtures, including BUCS competitions and major events on campus. Through volunteering, I’ve supported new referees, contributed to matchday operations, and helped strengthen the officiating community. I’ve also taken part in development sessions, mentoring opportunities, and events that bring volunteers together to support and grow sport at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. There have been lots of social events too such as the CVA awards and themed socials.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é?
Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é. I’ve met brilliant people, gained confidence, and been trusted with exciting opportunities. The environment is supportive, friendly, and full of people who genuinely care about sport. Every experience has helped me grow, whether through challenging fixtures, teamwork, or learning from others in the volunteering community. The support has been incredible and there is always someone to talk to after a hard game.
How has being involved with Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)??
Being involved with Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é Sport has pushed me to develop both personally and professionally. Refereeing and volunteering have strengthened and built my communication, leadership, decision‑making, especially my resilience too. I’ve learned how to work effectively with others, manage pressure, and take responsibility. These experiences have shaped me into a more capable and well‑rounded individual overall. These skills are very transferable and have made my studies better structured.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
Get involved early and don’t be afraid to try something new. Volunteering at Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é is welcoming, rewarding, and full of opportunities. You’ll meet great people, build confidence, and gain skills that stay with you long after your time here.
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I enjoy the sense of community and the chance to make a real impact. Volunteering lets me support others, be part of sport on campus, and grow personally. The people, experiences, and positive atmosphere make it genuinely fulfilling.