Rushwan’s volunteering is a runaway success

Sport student Rushwan Lewis hopes his volunteering experience as part of the Enhancing Student Employability Programme (ESEP) will help to kick start a career in coaching.

The ESEP provides students with opportunities to gain invaluable experience, qualifications and, eventually, employment through sport volunteering.

Since joining the ESEP in October 2016, Rushwan, 16, has volunteered on a number of sports projects. He supported the Manchester School Games Secondary Athletics Competition at the Regional Athletics Centre as a marshall on the finish line, and has refereed at girls’ football competitions.

Speaking about his role at the Manchester School Games, Rushwan said: “It was my job to put the runners in order at the end of the race - and I even got to give out the medals!”

It’s a fantastic opportunity

In return for his volunteer hours Rushwan has successfully gained his England Athletics Level 1 Assistant Coach qualification.

Currently studying for a BTEC Level 1 Diploma in Sport, Rushwan plans to progress onto a Level 2 course in September. He will also work towards his Level 2 Athletics Coaching Award.

After completing his Level 1 coaching assessment, Rushwan says he will continue to support the School Athletic competitions as an assistant coach. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills and gain more experience.”