Step into SportSport relies on 1.5 million volunteer officials, coaches, administrators and managers. East Midlands Further Education colleges actively promote and take part in volunteering within their local community clubs, School Sports Partnerships and local competitions.

The Youth Sport Trust plays a major role in supporting volunteer development through their Step into Sport programme which focuses on young people aged 14 to 19. Many AOC East Midlands colleges access the programme, giving them opportunities to become involved in sports leadership and volunteering and encouraging them to continue this into later life. Please visit www.youthsporttrust.org for further information.

East Midlands FE Leadership & Volunteering Programme - ‘Get involved, make a difference’ In partnership with the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the 'Championing the East Midlands' brand, an FE Leadership & Volunteering Programme has been developed. The year one pilot launched in January 2009 with 12 Colleges and has since been offered to all AoC East Midlands Colleges. The project has also received the much coveted Inspire mark.

A strong brand identity has been developed for the programme, which we hope reflects the benefits of volunteering in a young, dynamic, appealing way, targeting Further Education students aged from 16 19 years of age. A Regional FE Volunteer of the Year award has been presented annually at a regional high profile event since the launch.