Make the Team
Football Supporters
From footballers to commentators, here's what some well known faces had to say about Make the Team...
Chris Kamara, presenter and football analyst: “I’m proud to say I’ve already made the team – I’ve recently volunteered to climb Kilimanjaro for charity and I’m really excited to get involved and do my bit to raise awareness for a worthwhile cause. Whatever your interests, you can go to vinspired.com to find out about a huge range of volunteering opportunities and see how you can make a difference too.”
Kieran Gibbs, Arsenal and England Under-21 footballer: “If I wasn’t lucky enough to be playing football, I’m not sure what I’d be doing with my career and that’s why I think ‘Make the Team’ is such a great project to get involved with. Volunteering is not only a really good opportunity to put your time to something worthwhile, but it’s also a great way of building up your skills and ultimately achieving your goals, whether it’s football or another industry that you want to get into. I’m really looking forward to giving something back and doing my bit with other volunteers soon.”
Gary Lineker: "v, The National Young Volunteers’ Service conducted research amongst young football fans to find who their footballing inspiration is off the pitch. David Beckham came back the overwhelming winner followed by fellow ex England Captains Alan Shearer and Gary Linekar. Gary said “I am really happy to be included amongst such an illustrious bunch! I believe most footballers endeavour to make a positive influence but this doesn't always make exciting headlines”
Hugh Robertson, Minister for sport and the Olympics: "Football supporters have special relationships with their teams generating a unique brand of commitment. Make the Team builds on these strong ties and gives young people the chance to get involved with their club and give something back to their local community."
Stuart Pearce, Head Coach, England Under-21s: “The role of the volunteer, particularly in football, is absolutely vital to the future of the game. Every football player, from the grassroots of the game through to top England players, are likely to have had coaching or guidance from a volunteer at some point, and the value of these people to their communities is immeasurable. I’d always encourage young people to volunteer to gain valuable experience, grow as people and help build their community in whatever way they can.”
David Seaman, ex-Arsenal and England goalkeeper: “I think ‘Make the Team’ is a fantastic opportunity for young people to follow their passion both on and off the pitch which is why I’m right behind vinsipred’s latest campaign. I wish I’d had opportunities like these available to me when I was younger. Getting volunteering experience under your belt is invaluable both in helping out your community and expanding your skillset – so why not get involved?”
Martin Tyler, football commentator: “Volunteering can give you skills and experience which could help you secure your dream job. You don’t have to be good at playing sport to get involved; vinspired.com has a whole range of opportunities to choose from, including journalism and radio. You never know, you might get to learn to commentate too.”
John Inverdale, sports radio and television presenter: "So much fantastic work is done in the community, not just by Fulham but buy so many other teams in the Premier League and so many other sporting organisations. It is underpinned totally by the volunteer culture, whether it’s the guy who mows the pitch for the cricket team on a Saturday or puts the flags out for the rugby team. Now these are the people who are the bedrock of sport in this country. Vinspired, get involved you will be amazed how much fun it is and how much you will get out of being involved with sport."
Bill Bush, Director of Communications and Public Policy at Premier League says: “Premier League clubs have a long tradition of supporting volunteering, so this new ‘Make the Team’ campaign is a great way of highlighting that work and reminding people that there is always a broader team working behind the scenes to help those playing on the pitch. Volunteering is valued by the Premier League: there are over 3,700 volunteers who donate time to work on Premier League activities taking place at the heart of their communities. The role of the volunteer is a key element within football, covering all aspects of the game and creating a real sense of community.”
