How long have you been volunteering for SASP?

It's been about a year now, probably a bit more. Ever since restrictions were lifted for Outdoor Sports and I could start going to Football again.

How did you get into volunteering with SASP?

I don't have a job and live on Benefits, I play Football for a local Disability team but they only play once a month. I heard about the SASP Walking Football group and started going to that and through that group heard about the other Football groups SASP runs. Unfortunately I had to stop attending, Stewart contacted me to find out why and I explained that I could not manage the match fee so he proposed a deal where I help out instead of paying. I have now joined the SASP Rounders group and help out there as well.

What tasks do you carry out in your volunteering role?

I am a sort of equipment and maintenance man. I help get the pitch ready, set out the equipment etc and then help clear it all back into storage at the end. I am quite good at practical things so if necessary I do small repairs, just this week I repaired the lock on the equipment store. I also help repair rounders players own equipment and if I can't fix it on the night I offer to take it home and bring it back fixed next week. I sometimes even help look after the small children playing little games with them whilst their parents play or umpire Rounders

Why do you like volunteering?

Because it helps me get out of my flat and mix with people! They make me feel included and important. I now have more friends than I ever have had in my life and I feel like I am giving something back to them and I am repaying the kindness that SASP have shown me. I am now way more active than I have ever been and that has got to be better for me.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with SASP?

Do it! You will benefit in so many ways. You will meet so many fantastic people, and you will feel valued, and you will also get to be a bit fitter!