WFA Event Support Volunteer

For our event support, we are looking for people to:

-help set-up and operate simple hand-held/tripod mounted cameras to stream the matches (possibly commentate too if that is of interest)
-score matches using a phone-based scoring app (scores from the App appear automatically on the streamed match footage)
-help look after other volunteers during the day – teas, coffees, lunch, look after the volunteer rest room

The WFA was formed in 2005 to develop the sport of Powerchair Football in England. The WFA work in partnership with the Football Association as football’s governing body. The WFA work with a wide range of partners to develop clubs, provide playing opportunities and many other benefits for our members. In April 2014 the WFA became a Charity Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

Wheelchair Football (more commonly known as Powerchair football) is played by individuals who have high levels of physical impairment, preventing them from accessing other forms of football or sport in general.

Due to the level of support required by the players, undertaken by family members and personal assistants, and intensity of the competition itself, there are a limited number of people who can help with filming and management on a match day, hence the request for volunteers.

The English powerchair national league is one of the most skilled and competitive in the world and the streams are viewed throughout the UK and across the world. All the current English national squad play for teams at Nottingham, and in October 2023, England will be travelling to Australia to compete in the World Cup. Not only will you have a chance to ensure that people throughout the world can watch games on match days, but you will also have a chance to watch and meet some of the elite of the world game.

You can see the sport and some recent footage here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRJFxrCcAHg&ab_channel=thewfatv

A match day (Saturday’s and Sundays) typically runs from 08:45 to 18:00. We would welcome volunteers for just a few hours or to help in the morning, afternoon, or all day.

The WFA will provide refreshments and lunch throughout the day.
The WFA will provide all the necessary training and briefings to undertake the support – which does not require any pre-requisite skills or experience.

On a typical day:

Volunteers will set up the stream for the first matches on each pitch (there are two pitches).
Volunteer will then film each match (there are 7 matches a day).
Volunteers will help make sure the microphones are set up near the pitch for the players (Players may, or a member of the WFA team may commentate on a match, or volunteers with an interest in sports journalism, or a penchant for commentary, may also join our pool of commentators).
Volunteers will pack up the kit at the end of the day, a job which takes less than 10 minutes.
Volunteers might also help look after the other volunteers by manning the volunteer room, providing teas, coffees and refreshments and helping with the provided lunch

As a result of a generous grant from AWS, the WFA have been able to procure some new streaming equipment and want to make the very best use of that to ensure that every game throughout the season is streamed to the widest possible audience.