At BDCA, we value our volunteers. They make it possible for us to serve our neighbours in need through giving their time, skills and knowledge selflessly. We are celebrating National Volunteers Week (1-7 June) with a tea party to thank them and by sharing one story a day of some of our amazing volunteers.

Today we meet Mike who volunteers for our Sports Project.

“I love meeting new people, getting to know them better and taking part in sport as a team together.”

Mike’s journey as a BDCA volunteer began at the tender age of 15! He volunteered with the BDCA Summer Scheme, then moved onto become a Young Leader. He worked as the sports apprentice for 3 years, leading free sport activities for locals before becoming employed by BDCA as a Sports Co-ordinator and After School Club worker. Currently, Mike is a teacher at a local school.

When the pandemic hit, Mikey returned to volunteer for BDCA.

“After COVID hit, I really missed the social side of football, as well as the competitive and fun side too. I was missing that sense of community, socialising, and doing things together.”

Mikey finds volunteering incredibly rewarding. “I get to use my skills and gifts as well as develop my confidence and leadership qualities. I love that I can host football right in the heart of this community, where I have been born and raised, and even better that it is free for everyone to attend!”

Mikey believes volunteering for a sports project has helped him physically, mentally, and socially. He particularly enjoys the social aspect of volunteering. “Sport is universal, and I’m privileged to run the Monday night football group, thanks to BDCA! It is such an easy way to remove any cultural, language or any other barrier you can think of.”

If you would like to support BDCA, please see our current volunteering opportunities or donate here.