As part of our Why I Volunteer in Aberdeen series, Katy, Marcus and Zac speak to us about their volunteering journeys at Sport Aberdeen, Denis Law Legacy Trust and Future Choices respectively, what inspires them to give back and the impact volunteering has had on their lives as well as those they support.

Katy – Sport Aberdeen

Katy has been volunteering with Sport Aberdeen for around five years and has been involved with the Active Girls Committee and coaching netball.

Through the Active Girls Committee, Katy helps organise a wide range of activities designed to encourage more girls to get involved in sport. Alongside this, Katy has volunteered to coach netball sessions mainly with P6 and P7 pupils.

“I love passing on my passion for netball,” she says. “Being an older girl, I feel like a role model for younger girls.”

Volunteering has helped Katy build confidence and gain valuable experience working with young people: “It’s been really good – inspiring young people and seeing them move on to go further in netball or whatever other sports they want to do.”

“I’ve been really happy to make a difference in other young people’s lives.”

Reflecting on why she encourages others to volunteer, Katy highlights the importance of giving back.

“Someone has volunteered to coach me at some point,” she says. “Then you become that volunteer and pass on the knowledge that they gave you. It’s definitely worth it.”

One of the most rewarding parts of volunteering for Katy is knowing that she has helped create opportunities for others: “I’ve been really happy to make a difference in other young people’s lives.”

Marcus – Denis Law Legacy Trust

Marcus volunteers with the Denis Law Legacy Trust, where he helps set up activities, supports participants and encourages young people attending the sport sessions.

“I set up games and speak to participants – see how they’re getting on, encourage them and keep them coming along to the sport sessions,” he explains.

Marcus first got involved with the organisation as a participant before deciding to become a volunteer when he was old enough to do so: “I just thought it was cool to do it and now it’s given me more opportunities in life.”

“One of the main reasons I enjoy giving back to my community is impacting people’s lives positively.”

Recently, Marcus’ commitment to volunteering was recognised through the Saltire Awards, where he received the prestigious Summit Award for his outstanding contribution and dedication to volunteering.

For Marcus, volunteering provides a routine, social connection and the chance to meet people from different backgrounds: “It gets you out of the house and keeps you in a routine. You also get to understand other kids better and different people’s perspectives in life.

“One of the main reasons I enjoy giving back to my community is just trying to impact people’s lives positively,” says Marcus.

Encouraging other young people to get involved, he says:

“I would one hundred percent encourage anyone to give volunteering a go because it opens up more opportunities in your life.”

Zac – Future Choices

Zac volunteers with Future Choices, supporting adults with disabilities who may otherwise not have the opportunity to socialise with others every week. Future Choices’ members spend time together in a welcoming community environment, take part in activities and enjoy social interaction.

“I mainly help the members with anything they need at each session,” he explains.

“We take them out for a day into the community,” says Zac. “They do various activities such as playing dominoes. Or, if they just want to have a chat with each other, they can sit down with a cup of tea.”

Zac felt inspired to start volunteering after seeing his older brother become involved with Future Choices: “I looked up to him as a role model, so I followed in his footsteps.”

“Volunteering is a way for me to give back to the community and help in any way I can.”

Now four years into his volunteering journey, Zac continues to attend sessions whenever he can. He has also been recognised through the Saltire Awards, recently receiving the Summit Award for his dedication and outstanding commitment.

“Volunteering is a way for me to give back to the community and help in any way I can,” he explains.

“It’s a great time honestly, everyone absolutely loves the sessions. I’m really glad I volunteer at Future Choices and I’ve learned a lot of important things from everyone.”

Get Involved

These stories from Katy, Marcus and Zac highlight the incredible contribution that young volunteers make across Aberdeen. From supporting sport activities to reducing social isolation in the community, young people are helping towards a more connected and supportive city.

At the same time, volunteering offers young people the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, meet new people and gain valuable experience that can support their future education, employment and personal developments.

If you’re interested in making a difference in your community, find out more at volunteeraberdeen.org.uk. For further information about young volunteering in particular, visit volunteeraberdeen.org.uk/young-volunteers

This article originally appeared in the July 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine featuring a spotlight on the local third sector in Aberdeen and all those who work in it and make a positive impact in the city.

Sign up to have it sent directly to your inbox every month, and read our current and past editions at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news