Linley Scholes giving back to the sport she loves

As part of National Volunteers Week (NVW) Volleyball Australia is celebrating the great work of many people who give back to the sport and help in its delivery from the grassroots right through to the elite.

Sports like volleyball wouldn’t be able to grow without the dedication and support of volunteers who selflessly give up their time week in and week out to help the sport grow. Queenslander Linley Scholes is one of those volunteers.

Linley was a physical education teacher which opened the door to coaching and officiating volleyball over 40 years ago and volunteering has kept her involved in a sport she loves.

“I always want to give back to my sport, and getting to meet the other amazing people who are doing the same incredible,” Linley said.

Linley has held many volunteer positions over the years, but the highlights include being a National Technical Officer at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Official Liaison Officer at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

“Being a volunteer at the Sydney 2000 Olympics was the best experience and then to get to volunteer for the Commonwealth Games on home soil as well was pretty spectacular.

“The Commonwealth Games was amazing, Catriona Tweedie and I looked after all the officials.”

She has also been a mentor for scorers and referees who have since become international beach volleyball referees.

“I was able to repurpose my teaching skills and it has been a rewarding experience to help people who are just as passionate about volleyball as I am,” she said.

Linley is taking confidence that Australia is slowly returning to a post-COVID normal and that beach volleyball can now continue to grow and progress as a sport.

“We are one of the lucky sports that can continue playing because we are outside and in the fresh air, which makes it easier to abide by the COVID safe rules,” she said.

Linley wants to encourage people to give volunteering a go, saying that you never know who you will meet and the experience you will gain from attending an event as a volunteer.

“Enjoy being a part of it, smile a lot and make sure you get plenty of rest when the opportunity arises so you can continue to give your all to your sport or hobby,” Linley said.

Volleyball Australia would like to thank all volunteers from officials, coaches, club administrators, event support staff and many others, who have helped make Volleyball thrive across Australia.

Be sure to thank a volunteer you know!