Suche
Mein Konto
Volunteering in sport: This is how we motivate the next generation of volunteers!
JGU Mainz presents a study on volunteers at sporting events that analyzes motivation and trends in commitment.
Volunteering in sport: This is how we motivate the next generation of volunteers!
The motivation and needs of volunteers in the sports sector are the focus of a current study by the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in collaboration with the German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering (DSEE). More than 1,300 volunteers were surveyed in the study, which was carried out over a five-year period from 2014 to 2019. Loud JGU, the study shows that the proportion of people involved in sports clubs fell by almost 10 percent during this period.
However, tens of thousands of volunteers come together, especially during major sporting events. The study looked at important events such as the Special Olympics World Games 2023, the European Handball Championship 2024 and the UEFA EURO 2024. A total of 35,366 volunteers took part in these events. This not only reflects the interest in sport, but also the social relevance of such events.
Results of the survey
Analysis of the collected data reveals interesting demographic characteristics of the volunteers. Around 55.8% of the volunteers are female, and 53.1% have a (technical) university degree or higher. The average age is 47, and an impressive 93.2% of respondents had previous volunteer experience. These statistics suggest that volunteers are mostly well-trained and experienced.
The main motives for involvement are primarily of a non-material nature: 80% of participants see the activity as an expression of their values. Especially at the Special Olympics World Games, this proportion is as high as 91.9%. The “love of sport” was often cited as a motivation, especially at the 2024 European Handball Championship. Extrinsic incentives, such as free food or free gear, play loudly MDPI a subordinate role.
Conclusions and recommendations for action
The study draws some important conclusions for sports clubs and organizers. The aim was to create flexible engagement opportunities and promote the intrinsic motivation of volunteers. In addition, a target group-specific approach is necessary in order to secure voluntary commitment in the long term. Prof. Dr. Holger Preuß emphasizes the need to establish sustainable engagement structures after the events. Jan Holze also calls for the introduction of qualification offers, support programs and infrastructure measures that can help retain volunteers.
To address these needs, DSEE has developed the Volunteer Academy for UEFA EURO 2024, which includes both analog and digital educational offerings. It supports those involved with events, funding opportunities, webinars and advice. Another finding of the study is that the preparations and training offers must be tailored to the experiences and values of the volunteers in order to promote future commitments.
Overall, the research shows that community involvement and personal experiences are key motivators for volunteering. This highlights the need to place volunteers' interests and needs at the center of engagement strategies in order to optimize both volunteer satisfaction and the impact of sporting events on a societal level.