Sophie Jackson
Women's Futsal Coach, IFA Coach, Epilepsy action sports volunteer and events volunteer
Recently surpassing the 1000 hour milestone, Sophie has engaged in a huge variety of roles over the last few years. From volunteering at events such as Lightning Netball fixtures, FA National Futsal Series and Loughborough International Athletics, to coaching dance, Kickboxing and Futsal.
Tell us a little about yourself (E.g. hobbies, interests and background):
I am a dancer, kickboxer and goalkeeper so have always been involved with a variety of sports all my life as I started dancing before I could walk and still dance today. I have coached since I was 11 in dancing and kickboxing and entered football coaching when I was in my first year at Loughborough. I have always wanted to get into teaching PE and my journey has always been to compliment this career choice so being involved in every sport possible it any way has always been a part of me.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
I first got involved with sport at Loughborough when I was studying my BTEC diploma and we had to do coaching along with outside coaching opportunities and we were all referred to the CVA, the CVA then became my biggest adventure whilst being at Loughborough allowing me to gain experience in so many sectors of sport you can only imagine!
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
Overall amazing, when you take on a volunteering role you are not there as a volunteer you are part of the team part of a family and that is something very special I’ve met some amazing people both Loughborough staff and other volunteers and players of many sports. The experience it has given me is invaluable and I’m sure I will be at Loughborough for years to come.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
From workshops to support to hands on the skills look amazing on your CV as well as the qualifications, I have been lucky enough to build up a CV which is jam packed with so many amazing experiences that have let me go on to be doing what I am doing now along with confidence in what I am doing.
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?
Make sure you manage your time with your studies then you will have so much time to volunteer and it is worth it without the experience I gained at the CVA and Loughborough I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now, so if you can get involved as soon as you do one event you will be hooked!
Finally, what do you enjoy most about volunteering?
The Loughborough family, there is a reason why people do not leave Loughborough Sport and this is the reason it makes everything you do so enjoyable!
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Sophie's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for Coaching and Event management opportunities like this.