Volunteers - The Heart of Chorley Marlins
Chorley Marlins is a community club run almost entirely by volunteers.
Every gala, every training session, every new swimmer’s journey relies on the time and energy of parents, swimmers, and supporters who give a little — or a lot — to make our club thrive.
Whether you can spare an hour a month or want to get more involved, we have a role for everyone.
“Without volunteers, there is no club. With volunteers, we build something special.”
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering can be flexible — from occasional help at events to taking on an official or team manager role.
Ways You Can Help
We welcome new volunteers at all levels. Common roles include:
Poolside & Training Support
We’ll guide you to the most suitable route (Teaching for Mini Marlins / Coaching for Squads), arrange mentoring, and help you find local courses. All helpers receive clear guidance and appropriate safeguarding checks/training.
Gala & Competition Roles
Many volunteers start by timekeeping or chaperoning and go on to become Team Managers or trained Officials.
Club Support & Admin
Small jobs add up — you don’t need to commit to a formal position to make a big difference.
Training, Checks & Support
We’ll support you every step of the way:
You don’t have to know everything — we’ll guide you.
Swim England Volunteering - has more info on national pathways and training.
How to Get Involved
Alternatively, speak to a coach or committee member or email [email protected]
.
Celebrating Volunteers
Every volunteer matters. Whether you:
…you’re part of what makes Chorley Marlins special.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help the swimmers grow — you feel part of the team.” — Marlins parent volunteer
Swim England North West Young Volunteer Award
At Chorley Marlins, we actively encourage young people to get involved in the running of the club — not just as swimmers, but as future coaches, officials, and leaders.
The Swim England North West Young Volunteer Award is a structured programme designed for young people aged 14–17 to gain experience, skills, and confidence through volunteering within aquatics. It’s widely recognised by schools, colleges and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
What the programme offers
Typical roles for Young Volunteers
Eligibility & how to get involved
To register your interest, speak to your coach or email [email protected]
.
More details: Swim England North West Young Volunteer Award
“Volunteering helped me gain confidence, make new friends and start my coaching journey.” — Young Volunteer
Every gala, every training session, every new swimmer’s journey relies on the time and energy of parents, swimmers, and supporters who give a little — or a lot — to make our club thrive.
Whether you can spare an hour a month or want to get more involved, we have a role for everyone.
“Without volunteers, there is no club. With volunteers, we build something special.”
Why Volunteer?
- Support your child and their club directly
- Help keep training and competition costs affordable
- Be part of a positive, friendly club community
- Learn new skills and gain Swim England recognised qualifications
- It’s rewarding and fun — you don’t need to be a swimming expert!
Volunteering can be flexible — from occasional help at events to taking on an official or team manager role.
Ways You Can Help
We welcome new volunteers at all levels. Common roles include:
Poolside & Training Support
- Poolside Helper – assist coaches with lane organisation and supervision (under their direction). Great first step if you’re new to swimming.
- Land Training Assistant – help set up and support dryland activities.
- Mini Marlins Assistant (Learn to Swim) – help deliver fun, skills-based sessions for our youngest swimmers and gain experience working with beginners.
- Assistant Swimming Coach ( pathway ) – train as an Assistant Swimming Coach and support coached sessions across Development and Squads; with experience and mentoring you can progress to Swim England Swimming Coach.
- Teaching pathway (LTS) – if you enjoy Learn to Swim, train as a SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) (entry qualification) and, if you wish, continue to SEQ Level 2 Swimming Teacher (Teaching) to lead lessons.
We’ll guide you to the most suitable route (Teaching for Mini Marlins / Coaching for Squads), arrange mentoring, and help you find local courses. All helpers receive clear guidance and appropriate safeguarding checks/training.
Gala & Competition Roles
- Team Manager – supports the coach and swimmers at galas, ensuring everyone is in the right place at the right time, helping with marshalling, sign-in, and general swimmer welfare.
- Chaperone – provides additional welfare support during galas and away meets, ensuring swimmers are safe, supervised, and supported. Works closely with the Team Manager and Coach.
- Helps with signing in/out
- Supervises between races
- Provides reassurance and ensures swimmers are where they need to be
- Acts in line with Wavepower safeguarding guidance
- Timekeeper – operates a stopwatch at lane end; an easy way to get involved with a short free online course.
- Official (Judge, Starter, Referee) – essential to running licensed meets. Swim England training is free and fully supported by the club.
- Marshall / Runner / Door / Announcer – light-touch roles that make events run smoothly and can be done on the day with minimal prep.
Many volunteers start by timekeeping or chaperoning and go on to become Team Managers or trained Officials.
Club Support & Admin
- Committee roles – help shape the direction of the club (e.g. membership, communications, welfare, fundraising).
- Fundraising & Sponsorship – support fundraising campaigns, seek local sponsors, or help organise raffles.
- Website / Media / Comms – help share news, manage social media, or write gala reports.
- Welfare & Safeguarding – join the team that keeps our swimmers safe.
Small jobs add up — you don’t need to commit to a formal position to make a big difference.
Training, Checks & Support
We’ll support you every step of the way:
- DBS check for anyone in regular contact with swimmers (arranged by the club).
- Safeguarding and Team Manager training for appropriate roles.
- Swim England Officials Training – much is online and widely available with shadowing opportunities at meets.
- A clear induction and mentor support for new volunteers.
- Teaching route: SEQ Level 1 Swimming Assistant (Teaching) → SEQ Level 2 Swimming Teacher (Teaching).
- Coaching route: Assistant Swimming Coach → Swim England Swimming Coach.
- Club-arranged DBS, Safeguarding, and Team Manager training where needed, plus mentoring from our coaching team.
You don’t have to know everything — we’ll guide you.
Swim England Volunteering - has more info on national pathways and training.
How to Get Involved
- Fill out our Contact Us form.
- We’ll contact you to match your interests with a role.
- Complete any required DBS / training checks.
- Join a supportive, friendly volunteer team!
Alternatively, speak to a coach or committee member or email [email protected]
.
Celebrating Volunteers
Every volunteer matters. Whether you:
- Timekeep at one gala per year,
- Help on poolside,
- Run fundraising events,
- Serve on the committee…
…you’re part of what makes Chorley Marlins special.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help the swimmers grow — you feel part of the team.” — Marlins parent volunteer
Swim England North West Young Volunteer Award
At Chorley Marlins, we actively encourage young people to get involved in the running of the club — not just as swimmers, but as future coaches, officials, and leaders.
The Swim England North West Young Volunteer Award is a structured programme designed for young people aged 14–17 to gain experience, skills, and confidence through volunteering within aquatics. It’s widely recognised by schools, colleges and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
What the programme offers
- Introduction to volunteering in swimming clubs
- Training workshops (e.g. safeguarding, officiating basics, poolside support)
- A volunteer logbook to record hours and achievements
- Certificate from Swim England North West upon completion
- A stepping stone to teaching, coaching or officiating pathways
Typical roles for Young Volunteers
- Poolside helper with Mini Marlins or Development squads
- Marshalling or timekeeping at club galas
- Assisting with club events, social media or fundraising
- Supporting younger swimmers at team events
- Helping with registration and administration at sessions
Eligibility & how to get involved
- Age: 14–17 years old
- Must complete the programme before their 18th birthday
- No prior experience required — full support and mentoring provided
- Volunteers complete basic safeguarding training and an induction
To register your interest, speak to your coach or email [email protected]
.
More details: Swim England North West Young Volunteer Award
“Volunteering helped me gain confidence, make new friends and start my coaching journey.” — Young Volunteer
