Get your skates on!

Do you love roller-skating?  Do you enjoy working with children or would like to gain experience in this area? A local group in Houghton Regis would like to give you the opportunity to get involved in their Monday afternoon sessions, which provide young people in your area with the chance to learn how to roller skate, to make friends and play games.

The Eastern Region Roller Speed Association meets every Monday afternoon during term time and aims to teach roller/speed skating and encourage young people (aged from 3 to 15) to get involved in the sport. Activities during the sessions include a beginners’ class, coaching and a games session. The group is becoming increasingly popular with its membership increasing every week, so they are looking for your help to supervise the sessions, which have a fun, lively, family-orientated atmosphere.

You would start by collecting money on the door and welcoming members, but through training you would work up to helping run the sessions, keeping a broad eye out for hazards, dealing with any administration, quick skate repairs or securing shoe laces! Previous experience is not necessary as the Association assists with training in many areas, including First Aid and communication with young people. If you are an experienced skater and want to get into coaching, get involved and the Association will provide you with the coaching training you will need to share your skills and enjoyment of skating with others.

However, there are other ways to get involved if you don’t’ fancy lacing up your skates! You could volunteer as a Publicity Assistant, promoting the association’s activities to the general public, designing leaflets and/or websites, and liaising with the local press. Alternatively, you may want to get involved as an Event Organiser for the group, to help to co-ordinate the events that take place during the year such as race events, carnivals and fun days. No previous experience necessary for these roles and this could be your chance to enhance your CV some whilst helping this local group.

Whatever your skills or experience, you will have something to offer this local group. You will have the opportunity to meet new people, gain experience and training, whilst helping to give children the opportunity to have fun and learn a new sport that they can enjoy individually or in a team. For further information on these opportunities please contact Georgina Sorrell, Volunteering Adviser at the Volunteer Centre on 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-southbeds.org.uk. If you would like to explore other volunteering opportunities that are available in South Bedfordshire please contact Georgina for a Volunteering Directory or to arrange an informal chat.