Whether you're currently a player or a spectator, volunteering offers many ways to get more involved in sport.

All sports in this country rely on volunteers – if you're looking for an opportunity start by searching the do-it.org.uk database or try contacting a local club or national organisation.

Some clubs might still take volunteers on a very informal basis but others have, in recent years, become much more organised.

Either way, if you are going to be working directly with children or vulnerable adults, it's likely that the organisation will require you to be checked by the Criminal Records' Bureau (CRB). They will organise this as part of their recruitment process, but it will take some time, so it's worth applying several weeks before you want to start volunteering.

It might be that you're keen to try coaching, or perhaps you'd like to help blind children in an Actionnaires club.

Sporting events are another area where volunteers have a crucial role, and the London Olympics in 2012 has already started to sign people up.

Many of us give up sport once we leave school or college. Volunteering can be a fantastic way to get involved again, while helping other people at the same time.

For a further insight into what it's like to give your time, check out our sport and fitness volunteer blogs.

Volunteering England also have lots of useful information, particularly for organisations, in their sports section.

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