Forgoing the snug warmth of the duvet to haul yourself out of bed and stand on a windswept junction with a lollipop for a few hours might sound like a sacrifice (other volunteering jobs are available, of course). But while we make much of the noble idea of ‘giving back’ to the sport, there are a number of benefits to be enjoyed through volunteering.
We spoke to sports psychologist Dr Josephine Perry, author of 10 Pillars of Success and regular CW contributor, who described five different benefits with a reach and depth well beyond cycling and sport.
For starters, it’s a great confidence builder, Dr Perry says, because it allows you to try new things without undue pressure.
“Often it’s the baby steps you need to try something out that you wouldn’t be able to get in, say, a paid role,” she says. “But also, you wouldn’t feel confident enough to jump into a paid role where you feel like there’s a ton of responsibility that comes with it. But as a volunteer, you feel like there’s less of those expectations and pressures, so you can try new things.”
5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER
1. Confidence
Try new things at your pace
2. Feel-good factor
Get that dopamine rush
3. Build belonging
Feel part of a collective
4. Connect with others
A great way to meet people
5. Develop skills
Who knows where they could take you?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike