Volunteers Hockey WA’s heartbeat

Hockey WA would like to recognise the hard work and exceptional contributions of all volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week, which runs until Sunday, 23 May.

Reds Hockey Club stalwart Emily Ballantyne is just one example, giving back hours every week to the club that has given her so much since her relocation to Perth in 2016 from regional WA.

Many people would find it difficult to coach just one team, but the 23-year-old does this and much more, coaching two senior women’s sides and the J7/8B girls.

If this isn’t enough, the mid-week Masters benefit from her refereeing matches every week, as can many junior sides on weekends.

Last year Miss Ballantyne was awarded the Phon Scott Award for Reds Club Person of the Year - she says giving her time to others is not only going to benefit hockey now but is also a long-term investment into our future stars.

“[The volunteers] are critical, and the lifeline of what keeps community sport alive, which is ultimately our breeding ground for paid national athletes,” she says.

“Without volunteers managing teams, stepping into committee roles, running the [hockey club] bars, making sure equipment is available and that game days run smoothly, team sport would not exist, or function as it does.”

Umpire mentoring, club administration and coaching assistance are just some of the other ways she supports – and somehow she finds the time to represent Reds in the top two grades in the Premier Two and Premier Three divisions.

Her involvement with the sport started early in life, playing Minkey in Narrogin from the age of three, with the passion her older brothers showed for hockey fuelling her drive going forward.

Miss Ballantyne says people often forget there is more to team sport than showing up and playing your scheduled matches.

“[Team sport] is not just about on field performances, it is so much more to me,” she says.

“Without all of the off-field and back-of-house work that is carried out by volunteers, we would not have a place to partake in the sport that I love.

“When I was younger and playing juniors, my parents were always down helping out by coaching or managing, so I got to experience first-hand the benefits of volunteers.

“If all those people did not step up when I was young, I would not have got the opportunity to play hockey, and learn all that I have through playing, and I wouldn’t have the friendships that I have been fortunate enough to make.”

Hockey WA Chief Executive Fabian Ross says organisations such as Hockey WA would not be able to run successfully without the assistance of volunteers.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the ongoing hard work and support our volunteers provide the hockey community in Western Australia,” Ross says.

“Hockey in WA significantly benefits from the foundation provided by volunteers across the state and, particularly in National Volunteer Week, we really want to acknowledge their sizeable contribution and say thanks.

“To everyone who volunteers their time for the benefit of our sport, thank you very much – the sport wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Do you or your club have any milestones or volunteer stories that you wish to share? Email them through to Hockey WA at media@hockeywa.