Arjith Ravi

Hailing from the District of Trichy in Tamil Nadu, India, I have always felt the closest to myself at dusty playgrounds rather than classroom benches and it did not take me very long to realize where my true interests lay at. Always having craved to be a part of sports, my brother who played tennis was my inspiration as a kid and I took up the sport following his footsteps and it was later on that I realized my true calling and passion for cricket when I played the sport as a part of our Extra-Curricular Activities at school. I found myself in my school team very sooner and the consistent performances I made at school tournaments helped me make it through to the District team and later the combined district teams of Tamil Nadu. Though Cricket had been my active sport, I have always been an avid and vivacious follower of all the sports and I also play different sports during my leisure time. It was during my College days that I gained knowledge pertaining to sports related jobs and I interned at Fisto Sports, an Online Sports Media as a Sports Marketing Executive for a month. After I completed my Undergraduate Degree, I wanted to turn my passion into my career and I chose to take up a profession in sports rather than a job on my core competency. ​Which later turned into a full time job, where I explored the world of sport industry. Later, I came to know about Loughborough university and its sporting excellence and applied PG degree here.

When I was actively looking opportunities to work in sport, I came to know about CVA through social media. Was quite impressed with the available role which I wanted to be involved and applied all my desired roles in the CVA portal. Luckily was able to make 3 roles due to covid restrictions as sport events was not happening only in one role I was able to give my best.

I was volunteering Loughborough Basketball team and Leicester Riders team both men and women. I also volunteered with the Athletic Union Executive Media Sub-Committee as the head of photography as it was pandemic haven't had that much work to with role, but actively took part in team meeting to discuss regarding social media campaign ideas. Majorly I was so active within basketball as we had lot matches during the season. Once had a chance to volunteer with Team GB Paralympics' kitting out process.

Working with basketball teams was a lot of fun since they were well-structured professional teams, and I was able to learn a lot of new things. Volunteering has always kept me busy throughout this pandemic, when everyone was scrambling for opportunities. Juggling my academics and volunteer activities has also helped me become a more organized time manager. It allowed me to learn about a new skills that I had never tried before.

It absolutely steered my career in the correct way; as an international student, getting an opportunity is really tough; but, when I engaged with CVA, it allowed me to advance further in my profession. With my experience of working with the basketball team, I was able to secure a position as the Live Stream Production Operator at Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Having involved in volunteering activity I awarded as "The outstanding student volunteer" by the Athena Swan Extra-Mile Awards hosted by SSEHS.

I would say that always take ownership and do the work without any expectations. Do not see this an volunteering work as you will be not paid, but these works and the skill set you learn will surely land you in a better position in future.

I always felt like one of the team, and the team treated me as if I were the most cherished member. Geoffery, the manager, treated me extremely well and taught me all I needed to know, as well as entrusting me with all responsibilities.