Isabelle Keith

AU Sports Events Officer & Loughborough Sport Ambassador

3rd Year Politics with History student, Isabelle Keith, has engaged in a number of role within sport at Loughborough including as DC Female Sports Sec, AU Sports Events Sub-Committee to her most recent roles as the Athletic Union Sports Events Officer & Loughborough Sport Ambassador.

Isabelle's role as AU Sports Events Officer includes coordinating the Big Match Series, including the most recent Rugby Union Double Header on February 5th, which saw back to back wins for both the Men's and Women's sides. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):

I used to play hockey and netball but coming to Loughborough on crutches threw a spanner in the works. I had played 7s in school so thought I should try 15s in my second year, I had an amazing season with LSWRFC and made friends for life, we even won the midlands conference cup and won our league unbeaten. Injuring myself in preseason has again set me back and caused a lot of mental strain, however the girls in the club have been amazing. I still train and get involved as much as I can. I also love my degree and every lecture and seminar only fuel my passion for politics, so much so that I am staying on another year.

During your years at Loughborough what have you got involved in through the CVA?

I started as a Sport sec and through exploring the CVA portal I found the sports ambassador and sports events subcommittee applications, I applied for both and got both, meaning my second year was quite busy with rugby, school tours and big matches. Through being on the Subcommittee, I met Matt and he encouraged my development, helping me with my presentation for the Sports Events Officer role and encouraging me to apply for the leadership programme. Being a sports ambassador, I also utilised the different qualifications available on the CVA portal such as the first aid course etc. I am currently the Sports Events Officer for the AU and love working on every quality Big Match and developing Club Focus. I am also thinking about using the CVA to gain a rugby qualification such as coaching or officiating, but that can wait until I have more free time.

What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?

I have loved every minute volunteering! I also make sure I log every minute I spend volunteering. Meeting new people with every role has expanded my circle and made things such as organising Club Focus, IMS Masterclasses and Big Matches a lot easier as I already know the people in charge.

How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?

Being a sports sec helped me with my time management skills which allowed me to take on more in my second and third years. Being a sports ambassador has massively helped my public speaking and presentation skills, I don’t even worry about graded presentations for my degree anymore because I present so often to so many schools. Being involved with AU exec has helped me develop my organisational and team leadership skills with my Subcommittee and event planning. It has also helped my personal development as the AU exec is so supportive and such a happy environment to be working in, I am better at asking for help when I need it and understanding that it is okay if something doesn’t go to plan and it’s not necessarily my fault if something fails.

What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?

Definitely get involved with the CVA, whether you want to be Club Chair, IMS exec or AU exec or develop skills such as photography or event planning… there is something for everyone and its always a win-win situation. You get new qualifications and skills, and you get rewards for logging your hours for using your new skills. You meet so many amazing people who are just as passionate and committed. It also opens up doors and bulks out your CV.

Feeling inspired?

Feeling inspired by Isabelle's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for event management opportunities like this one.

Visit the CVA Portal