“College has given me lots of opportunities”

Lois Meek volunteers as a coach at Tayside Musketeers Basketball Club where some of her responsibilities involve delivering and assisting sessions to the Under-10s in Forfar and Arbroath. Here she shares her story . . .

“I have enjoyed every moment of my volunteering over the past year. It has given me so many good opportunities to develop and grow. My favourite part is having a connection with the participants I coach so that they feel able to tell me anything. I also enjoy it when I see kids practising what I have taught them outside of the session – this makes me so proud.

“A highlight of mine is applying to the young people’s sports panel which will allow me to have my say on sports within Scotland. I have been given a first interview which has unfortunately been postponed due to Covid-19 but if I’m successful it will allow me to expand my sporting knowledge, speak on sporting opportunities in my local area and make a change.

“College has given me lots of opportunities to participate in different qualifications such as athletics, Boccia, basketball and first aid at work. I have also done disability and inclusion training through the disability sports that I coach.

“I participated in coaching through my course which included making risk assessments, session plans, making sure the participants left the club safely and providing safe and fun sessions.

“I’ve had to work hard in class to balance out work and volunteering. I also work as a lifeguard so sometimes it’s a challenge to fit everything in. Volunteering has helped improve my confidence and given me the chance to work with lots of new people who are established in the sports industry, learning skills and drills from them.”