This week is National Volunteers week so we are recognising volunteering in Triathlon.
Name: Carol Young
Volunteer Role: Head Coach for Craven Energy Triathlon Club
Favourite Discipline of Triathlon? Swim, Bike or Run?
Swimming, as before I started competing in triathlons I was unable to swim front crawl and have now developed a real love of Wild Swimming
Favourite Food? This changes on a regular basis, but currently it’s asparagus!
Favourite Holiday Destination? Same as food, but heading out for a bike ride or walk in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas, all a stone’s throw from home is like heading out on a holiday
How long have you been volunteering in Triathlon?
16 years, as long as I’ve been competing
What does your volunteering role entail?
Currently I am mostly identified in my role as Head Coach and a club coach for Craven Energy triathlon club based in Skipton and I regularly pitch in as a volunteer marshalling at our GO TRI events, junior triathlon and other activities organised by our club. Also, over the years I have coached and volunteered in other contexts and events.
As a Head Coach much of my time is spent behind the scenes liaising with the committee and networking with other agencies that impact on the delivery of coaching in the club. I coordinate coaching developments and communications within the coaching team and support the club’s coaches in providing a robust programme of sessions for club members.
As one of the coaching team I derive great pleasure from spending time coaching both adult and junior members; getting to know them as individuals and help them on their way to meet their triathlon goals be they competitive or more about participation, fitness or social aspects.
What is most rewarding from your volunteer role?
Having a more active role with Junior coaching and developments in recent years is very rewarding (not that adult coaching isn’t rewarding too!). It is a different type of relationship that is built with the young members and their parents, and a different set of challenges for the junior section coaches. It is also very gratifying to witness and play a part in their development as young athletes and young people
What is your motivation to volunteer in Triathlon?
I found a sport in my early 40’s that I could identify with straight away. It has given me great pleasure and success as a competitor and it was just a natural progression to share my experiences, skills and knowledge with other aspiring triathletes. Also, with my professional background in physiotherapy and higher education I’m very comfortable with telling people what to do!
As a volunteer in triathlon, what have you been most pleased with/greatest success?
Being a founder member of Craven Energy and having the vision for creating and building an inclusive triathlon club for our area has been and continues to be an immense source of pleasure for me. It is an exceptionally friendly club to be a part of and the success of its growth and direction is all down to its members and coaches who have a real sense of pride and enjoyment in their club. Being located in such a beautiful part of Yorkshire it is no surprise that activities range in many directions and variations of swim, bike and run. The success lies in where the club is now, with a great band of enthusiastic members and hardworking volunteers. There is fun, adventure and peer support at the core of Craven Energy folk.
How could a volunteer make a difference to the sport of Triathlon?
By volunteering because it is what you want to do; as a means of sharing passion and love of this sport and all its variations. A volunteer doesn’t need to be a triathlete themselves. Just rubbing shoulders with triathletes and other triathlon enthusiasts is enough to contribute to the success of clubs and individuals in this sport
