SPORT Manchester, the sport department of Manchester University, is urging students to improve their prospects and stand out from the crowd with a new volunteer scheme.

They’ll certainly stand out when they wear their handsome new customised hoodies which, together with matching tracksuit bottoms, are theirs to keep once they’ve clocked up ten or more hours of sports volunteer work.

2012 being the year of the London Olympics, SPORT Manchester has gone all-out to promote the healthy lifestyle among staff and students, with the aim of taking the message out to the community at large. Among other things, it runs a Sport Volunteer Scheme, which encourages students with an active interest in sports and fitness to get involved in their local community.

To promote the scheme, a one-day Sport Volunteer Fair was held on Wednesday February 15th, in the main hall of the Owen’s Park campus. There, existing and potential sports volunteers were able to meet community partners and learn about what was involved, and the benefits available to those who decide to take part.

Many students, at both the main university and the Cheshire campus, already actively participate in local community events, donning printed polo shirts and t-shirts to coach disabled children, or steward local football matches. They don’t have to be elite athletes, or even have professional coaching qualifications – just an interest in activity lifestyles, and a desire to help others.

In return they gain valuable work experience and leadership skills, recognised volunteer certificates, financial help with further qualifications and last but not least, free sports kit – including hoodies personalised with the University colours.