According to the Active Lives Survey published by Sport England in June, there are almost 10.5 million adults who volunteer to support sport and physical activity in England. That is over one in five adults, which is quite extraordinary. It is an increase of nearly half a million over the last 12 months and it shows a continued recovery of sport volunteering since the pandemic in 2020. Their research into the social value of sport and physical activity demonstrated that adult volunteering in England is worth £ 8.2 billion in social value annually.

While the numbers are staggering, the really important benefit is to the volunteers themselves. Multiple studies have shown that volunteers in sport reported higher than average levels of well-being compared to non-volunteers, these positive effects come from improved self-worth,

James Roberts

socialising and the feeling of doing something useful which improves life satisfaction as well as positively affecting a person’ s health and mental health. All of which makes for a great symbiotic relationship with the sport – but the key to making this work is for the sport to provide a positive and enjoyable experience to the volunteers and above all a clear expression of thanks from those they help.

It was most welcome to see the announcement that the FIA has launched the Volunteers and Officials month for October 2025, declaring it as‘ a global celebration of the invaluable contribution volunteers and officials make to enable motorsport events around the world’. This is an important step for the international community and one that reflects the work that Motorsport UK has been doing, connecting the clubs and volunteers together. We celebrated their contribution during National Motorsport week in July, and I would highlight the recognition we give through the annual Club and Volunteer Awards. Nominations for these awards are now open and give members the opportunity to celebrate and reward the efforts of clubs, volunteers and organisations for their outstanding contribution to the motorsport community. I would ask everybody to think about who they might nominate as the volunteer of the year as well as the organising team and club, as they will be invited to the Night of Champions next January. All the details are on the website.

JEP

James Roberts

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Revolution- October 2025