Volunteers in sport are often the people who are willing to give anything a crack. They put their hands up in times of need and throw everything they can into roles to help make the community a better place and keep it ticking.
Sale Netball Association President, Caitlin Weston rose to the challenge when the presidency spot was vacant. With the right support around her, Caitlin has thrived in the role and has developed skills and appreciation of community sport that has seen her land 'the coolest job in the world'.
CAITLIN WESTON
President, Sale Netball Association and Participation Coordinator at AFL Victoria
Tell us about your journey from netball volunteer to your current job.
It’s definitely been a wild ride. I attended the 2022 AGM and decided to put my hand up for general committee after being an umpire, coach and player at SNA. I learnt the ropes at SNA behind the scenes, and got back into umpiring that year.
When the 2023 AGM came around and Pam was stepping down, I felt that I was well supported enough by the committee and life members that I could really make a difference to community netball. It was a huge year and we ended up having 1399 SNA members, and an amazing amount of programs catering to all age groups.
I learnt a lifetime worth of skills in those 12 months and really found that working in sport and helping kids learn to find a love for netball was something that filled my cup. It was a no-brainer based on this that I wanted to work in sport, so when the opportunity at AFL Victoria came up I thought I’d be crazy not to apply. The skills I had learnt and love for sport I had discovered really helped me, and from there everything fell into place - I genuinely think I have the coolest job in the world.
At the same time, I decided to move into my second year as President at SNA and it’s so rewarding to see so many people involved in sport from grassroots all the way to clubland and beyond.
What did your volunteer role at Sale Netball Association involve?
It started small with social media and replying to messages and emails. As I learnt more, I was able to really build my knowledge of how things operated. When the 2023 AGM came around and Pam was stepping down, I felt like it was my opportunity to really make a difference into local netball from a grassroots level.
What drew you to volunteer at Sale Netball Association in the first place?
I grew up playing at SNA. I started Netta here, played Rep netball, learnt to umpire and was awarded my badge at SNA. I played all my junior comps here and learnt to coach in the Saturday comps. It only felt right to give back to the association that has given me so much.
How did your experience as a volunteer help or impact your move into a paid role in sport?
Volunteering at SNA really made me discover a passion for working in sport. It’s not something I would have explored before I became President. The role has allowed me to build leadership skills, understand how communities work and has given me a deep appreciation for volunteers which I think has been a big factor of my role.
How are you managing your work at Sale Netball Association with AFL Gippsland?
It’s definitely a juggling act. Between my role as President, coaching an 13&U rep side, umpiring, and playing at Heyfield FNC, as well as working fulltime at AFL Victoria, I don’t have much free time. But it’s really cool to see the two aspects of my life crossover and I have incredible support at work and SNA which makes it all worth it.
Why would you recommend volunteering in sport to others?
In the least corny way possible, it’s changed my life. I have made lifelong friends, learnt so many skills to use in other aspects of life, discovered my passions, and managed to find a job that incorporates that in every day.
What kind of person could volunteer, particularly at Sale Netball Association?
Anyone can volunteer! There’s no expectation to become president, or run a competition - but something as small as helping us timekeep, sell raffle tickets or even umpire makes all the difference and helps the association keep running.
What would you say to people looking to fill spare time or looking to give back to the community?
You won’t look back. There’s no age barriers, you aren’t too old or too young. You’ll make friends and find a community who back you 100% of the way. You can find a career that fulfills you in every way thanks to it. You’ll be supported by those around you, and the pride and warm fuzzies you get at the end of the day are unmatched.
