The search is on for volunteer activators to inspire fellow students at university and college in England to get into golf.
They’ll join a new, national campaign to promote student golf, which was piloted with 12 universities during the last academic year – and proved to be an “incredible” success.
Activators who have already been involved include Charlotte Stanton of Birmingham University, Fiorella Badin of Kingston University, Surrey, and David Morris of Marjons and Plymouth Universities, Devon – and they have all won top awards for their work.
They’ve helped create booming interest in the sport among students and the project is set to roll out across the country.
It is part of the national Get into golf campaign and is run by the England Golf Partnership (EGP) with National Lottery funding from Sport England and the support of BUCS – BritishUniversities and Colleges Sport. Phil Beard, the EGP’s Volunteer Manager, commented: “The initial success has been incredible and we expect to be working with 40 to 50 universities and colleges this year.
“Our immediate challenge is to recruit activators to encourage students who are new to the game and also keep established golfers playing the sport while they are at college.
“Becoming an activator is a great way to be involved in sport and to enhance your career skills,” added Phil.
The activators will work with their local County Golf Partnership, PGA professionals and members of the EGP Youth Panel to grow the game. They will receive training and be able to promote their activities with EGP Get into golf branded materials, specially designed for student golf.
Activities, usually communicated via Twitter and Facebook, have included taster sessions for beginners, night golf social events, golf days for established players, discounted golf offers at local clubs and BUCS events for the competitive.
Last year over 1400 students expressed an interest in golf at freshers’ fairs. The activators followed up during October and November by providing more than 1900 new golf sessions in the 12 universities. At the same time the project pumped over £30,000 pumped into local golf economies, thanks to students using driving ranges, taking coaching, playing courses and joining clubs.
England Golf Partnership www.englandgolfpartnership.com