Volunteer Referee - Football

Organisation Details
Greater Together Manchester
Sub theme: Asylum Seekers and Refugees, Homeless and Housing
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Greater Together Manchester (GTM) is a Greater Manchester charity working to tackle poverty, homelessness, loneliness and inequality. We work alongside people and communities to create practical solutions, build connection and increase opportunities for people to thrive.
Our work includes supporting people experiencing homelessness and the asylum system, running community activities and wellbeing programmes, tackling food insecurity, and supporting welcoming community spaces across Greater Manchester. We believe everyone has something to contribute, and volunteers are an essential part of creating stronger, more connected communities.
Our work includes supporting people experiencing homelessness and the asylum system, running community activities and wellbeing programmes, tackling food insecurity, and supporting welcoming community spaces across Greater Manchester. We believe everyone has something to contribute, and volunteers are an essential part of creating stronger, more connected communities.
Description of role: We are looking for a friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team of referees for our weekly football session.
Our football sessions are part of Greater Together Manchester’s Lifeskills Programme, which brings people together through sport, activities and shared experiences. The sessions are relaxed and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on participation, enjoyment and building positive relationships.
As our volunteer referee, you will help make sure games are fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone. You don't need to be a qualified referee – we are looking for someone who understands the basics of football, is confident making decisions and can help create a positive atmosphere on the pitch.
What you will do
- Referee weekly football matches, applying the basic rules of the game fairly and consistently.
- Explain decisions clearly and calmly to players.
- Help ensure the session remains safe, respectful and enjoyable.
- Encourage good sportsmanship and respectful behaviour between players.
- Work alongside GTM staff to manage any disagreements or concerns that arise during the session.
- Help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their footballing ability or background.
- Let a member of GTM staff know about any safeguarding, welfare or other concerns.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a good understanding of the basic rules of football.
- Is confident making decisions and communicating them clearly.
- Is fair, consistent and able to remain calm when disagreements arise.
- Enjoys working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Is friendly, approachable and non-judgemental.
- Understands the importance of creating an inclusive and respectful environment.
- Can commit to attending regularly where possible.
Previous experience refereeing football, coaching, playing competitively or working with community groups would be helpful, but is not essential
Many of our participants do not have English as their first language - if you speak any additional languages, please do let us know!
What you'll get from volunteering
- The opportunity to use your football knowledge to make a positive difference in your local community.
- Experience of working in a community-based charity.
- The chance to meet and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Support and guidance from the GTM team.
- Opportunities to develop your communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
- Reimbursement of reasonable agreed volunteering expenses in line with our expenses policy.
Our football sessions are part of Greater Together Manchester’s Lifeskills Programme, which brings people together through sport, activities and shared experiences. The sessions are relaxed and welcoming, with a strong emphasis on participation, enjoyment and building positive relationships.
As our volunteer referee, you will help make sure games are fair, safe and enjoyable for everyone. You don't need to be a qualified referee – we are looking for someone who understands the basics of football, is confident making decisions and can help create a positive atmosphere on the pitch.
What you will do
- Referee weekly football matches, applying the basic rules of the game fairly and consistently.
- Explain decisions clearly and calmly to players.
- Help ensure the session remains safe, respectful and enjoyable.
- Encourage good sportsmanship and respectful behaviour between players.
- Work alongside GTM staff to manage any disagreements or concerns that arise during the session.
- Help create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their footballing ability or background.
- Let a member of GTM staff know about any safeguarding, welfare or other concerns.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a good understanding of the basic rules of football.
- Is confident making decisions and communicating them clearly.
- Is fair, consistent and able to remain calm when disagreements arise.
- Enjoys working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- Is friendly, approachable and non-judgemental.
- Understands the importance of creating an inclusive and respectful environment.
- Can commit to attending regularly where possible.
Previous experience refereeing football, coaching, playing competitively or working with community groups would be helpful, but is not essential
Many of our participants do not have English as their first language - if you speak any additional languages, please do let us know!
What you'll get from volunteering
- The opportunity to use your football knowledge to make a positive difference in your local community.
- Experience of working in a community-based charity.
- The chance to meet and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Support and guidance from the GTM team.
- Opportunities to develop your communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
- Reimbursement of reasonable agreed volunteering expenses in line with our expenses policy.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Leadership, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Tuesday Afternoon, Tuesday Evening
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 2
Location:
Manchester Tennis & Football Centre, Etihad Campus, 9 Sportcity Way
Manchester
M11 3DU
