Dundee Madsons Basketball club are one of the three groups nominated for the Youth Volunteering Team Award at the upcoming Inspire Awards. Madsons have a group of six volunteers – one 21, 20 and 19-year old and three 15-year olds – who have all been involved with the club from around 10-years old as players and moved onto coaching within the club. The main aim of the organisation is to provide affordable basketball coaching sessions for children of all ages, abilities and gender in a fun, friendly environment and their young volunteers strive to make this happen and more!

Dundee Madsons Basketball Club, are a team built on, and emphasising the importance of support. Firstly, the young volunteer coaches are previous players whose passion for the team is encouraged through the opportunity to lead younger players. They also stress the importance of looking out for each other; older coaches and volunteers provide advice and session plans to the younger coaches to improve their coaching skills and become role models. The volunteer coaches are also mentored by a Head Coach who is UKCC Level 2 qualified, and all volunteers are recommended to complete UKCC qualifications. The group’s support originates from assisting with Friday sessions coaching under 10, 12 and 14 year old teams and has extended to supporting the sport in local Primary Schools, other teams across the city and holiday events. Their contribution has added to an important family feel of the organisation.

The group of volunteers also demonstrate immense dedication to the organisation. The 15-year olds for example, train and play for Division 1 Under 16 National League teams and the three older coaches are all students at University – both age groups still manage to give up free time to coach. They coach on a weekly basis, at tournaments, holiday camps and are involved in social events and fundraisers.

Finally, the volunteers have been successful in making a difference in the community. This can be from helping the Under 10 and Under 12 teams become regional champions and the Under 12’s become National challenge winners, working with children with additional needs, being involved in fundraising events and inspiring players to be the best they can be. Good Luck Dundee Madsons Basketball Club in the Youth Volunteering Team of The Year category!

Rachel – Media Volunteer at Volunteer Dundee