Clubs celebrate players with trophies, team dinners, and recognition events. But without volunteers, the sport doesn’t happen. Recognising and rewarding them isn’t just about appreciation—it’s about building loyalty, reducing burnout, and creating a culture where volunteering is valued as highly as playing.

These are the “little things, often” that make volunteers feel noticed and valued.

• Personalised Thanks: A direct thank-you from players, coaches, or committee members at games or training.
• Public Acknowledgement: Regular shout-outs on social media, in newsletters, or at post-match presentations.
• Visible Identity: Volunteer shirts, hats, or badges so they feel part of the team.
• Milestone Markers: Acknowledge 10 games volunteered, 50 hours given, or “first season as a volunteer” with certificates or small tokens.

Success looks like: volunteers consistently reporting they feel noticed and appreciated.

These actions elevate volunteers beyond day-to-day thanks, showing their work is officially valued.

• Volunteer Awards: Introduce service awards (3, 5, 10 years) and annual categories like “Rookie Volunteer,” “Club Champion,” or “Behind the Scenes Hero.”
• Volunteer Round: Dedicate a competition round to volunteers with match-day announcements, gifts, and a group photo.
• Club Honour Roll: Publish a list of volunteer award winners on the website or a plaque in the clubhouse.
• External Nominations: Put volunteers forward for council, state, or national recognition programs (e.g. Sport Volunteer of the Year).

Success looks like: volunteers proudly identifying with the club and feeling their contribution has legacy value.

Small perks go a long way to offsetting the time and cost of volunteering.

• Discounts & Perks: Reduced membership fees, free merchandise, or discounts with club sponsors (e.g. cafés, gyms, sporting goods).
• Exclusive Access: Reserved seating, car park passes, or early registration access for their children.
• Thank-You Events: Volunteer BBQs, luncheons, or end-of-season functions where they are the guests of honour.
• Gift Packs: Vouchers, hampers, or sponsor-provided rewards.

Success looks like: a visible increase in volunteer retention year-to-year because they feel supported and valued.

Recognition isn’t just about gratitude—it’s also about giving back by supporting their skills and future opportunities.

• Upskilling: Offer RSA, First Aid, coaching, refereeing, or administration courses—paid by the club.
• Professional Development: Provide references, mentoring, or work experience opportunities (great for younger volunteers).
• Pathway Opportunities: Nominate them for regional/state working groups or leadership programs.
• Leadership Development: Rotate roles (e.g. team manager, social media officer) so volunteers gain breadth of experience.

Success looks like: volunteers gaining skills that benefit both them and the club, creating a win-win relationship.

Recognition shouldn’t be ad-hoc—it needs to be embedded in club systems.

• Volunteer Recognition Policy: Create a simple framework that guides how and when recognition happens.
• Committee Minutes: Record volunteer contributions formally at meetings.
• Feedback Loops: Ask volunteers how they’d like to be recognised and adapt accordingly.
• Storytelling: Regularly share volunteer journeys in newsletters or on the website to inspire others.

Success looks like: recognition becoming a natural part of club culture, not a once-off activity.

Remember: volunteers don’t do it for the rewards—but without recognition, they won’t stay. By embedding recognition into your club culture, you strengthen loyalty, retention, and the reputation of your club as a welcoming community hub.