This week North Herts & Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Service (CVS) and its volunteering platform, GoVolHerts, announced a new partnership with Hertfordshire Sports & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) to support local sports groups.

Many sports and physical activity groups in the area face challenges due to the cost of living and energy crisis, and declining volunteer numbers.

At the Stevenage & North Hertfordshire Club Forum in Letchworth, HSP’s Clubs and Workforce

Lead Charlie Mann said: "This is a really exciting initiative, we are delighted to have teamed up with North Herts and Stevenage CVS.

"This area has an amazing range of clubs, and we want to do all we can to help them thrive.

"It’s a tough landscape for clubs at the moment with escalating costs, increasing regulation and burgeoning legislation set against the backdrop of ever-dwindling volunteer numbers.

"We are hoping this project will go some way to support clubs and make their organiser’s lives a little easier, as well as opening their eyes to the fantastic services offered by both the CVS and GoVolHerts."

Recent national surveys reveal a concerning trend. The number of regular volunteers who undertake tasks such as coaching, administration, event organisation and fundraising has dropped by over 20 percent in the past few years.

Many clubs have been forced to reduce activities, merge with other groups, or shut down.

By supporting the clubs of North Herts and Stevenage to become more robust, better funded, and sustainable, this partnership will help them to further embed themselves within their communities, provide greater opportunities to be physically active and enjoy sport.

Of the new partnership, Hannah Morgan-Gray, CEO at the CVS, commented: "We are delighted to support more sports clubs in North Herts and Stevenage through our services.

"We recognise the vital work these clubs do to encourage community participation in physical activity, promoting positive wellbeing, improving health, and developing athletes.

"Whether your club needs funding advice, help with governance, support for volunteers, or simply a trusted advisor during challenging times, we are committed to providing the right assistance to ensure your success."

Local sports clubs wishing to take advantage of a year’s free membership of the CVS, funded by HSP, should visit www.nhcvs.org.uk or email info@nhcvs.org.uk.

To volunteer for local sports clubs, please register at www.govolherts.org.uk.

On September 26, the CVS will host a Volunteering Summit at Stevenage FC for all local groups, including sports clubs. For details and registration, visit the ‘Events’ page at www.nhcvs.org.uk.