CHLOE ARCHIBALD
ABOUT YOU
Name: Chloe Archibald
Age: 23
Hometown: Derry
Occupation: Final year student – BSc Hons Sport & Exercise Science
Current voluntary roles: Under 10 Football Coach for Crusaders Strikers Juniors, player and Administrator for Crusaders Strikers Women’s Football Club
INTRODUCTION TO VOLUNTEERING
- What first attracted you to volunteering in sport?
I have always enjoyed sport and appreciated all the time and effort my coaches put in when I was younger and wanted to give something back. I have been privileged to represent Northern Ireland at underage and senior level in football. I would like to hopefully support the development of younger girls in reaching similar levels.
- What qualifications did you have prior to your coaching and administrative roles?
I had my Irish Football Association Level 1 Football Coaching Award.
VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT
- What has sustained your involvement as a youth coach and administrator with Crusaders Strikers WFC?
I enjoy working with all the kids in the junior club and it is satisfying to see them develop and enjoy the game as much as I always have. In the administrative role, I enjoy the responsibility of liaising with men’s team and the governing body to ensure, where I can, that the club is well organised.
- As an undergraduate student, have you found it difficult to balance your voluntary roles with academic life?
Not particularly. If anything, I have been able to develop time management and planning skills within my voluntary roles. I would consider these skills as personal strengths, which has allowed me to balance and manage all aspects of my lifestyle.
- What have you gained in these voluntary experiences?
The satisfaction of passing on knowledge to youth players is a massive bonus for me. I also believe my experience will help me in my application for jobs in football development when I complete my degree.
- Have you gained additional qualifications in your voluntary roles?
Not at present but there are opportunities to up-skill in both administration and football coaching which I am keen in pursuing to support my career development.
- Greatest moment as a volunteer?
I don’t have one favourite moment, however, every time a player grasps something they have been struggling with and I can see the joy on their face – that is my favourite thing about volunteering.
AND FINALLY…
- What are the three best things about volunteering in sport?
1: Giving something back to the sport I love. 2: Being closely involved in my club’s future development. 3: Having so many children look up to you as a role model.
- What advice would you provide to other women and girls considering a voluntary role in sport?
It is definitely worth getting involved. There are lots of local clubs in need of volunteers. Sometimes people can be hesitant about taking up a voluntary role due to the hours required per week. There are a number of roles that you can be involved with in local clubs that are less time consuming but equally as rewarding.
