Hannah Bashford

I am a current 2^nd year MSc student studying Physiology and Nutrition of Sport and Exercise. Previously, I completed my BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Birmingham but was drawn to 含羞草视频 for my master’s as I knew about the amazing opportunities it could provide me for a career in sport. As you can probably tell, I have a passion for sport. When I realised that I was not good enough at any of the sports I played to get to the Olympics myself, it became my goal to still get there but by supporting athletes instead, through a career as a Sports Physiologist.  

I have played many a sport in my time but I currently am focussed on a sport called Korfball, which not many people have heard of! Korfball originates from the Netherlands with a team being made up of 4 boys and 4 girls, making it one of the only truly mixed-gendered sports. The team is split into an attacking and defending division (2 boys and 2 girls in each) and all players have the opportunity to attack and defend as the divisions swap over every 2 goals. The overall aim of Korfball is to shoot the ball into the korf (dutch for basket), but to do this, the attacker must be ‘free’ from their defender by being more than an arm’s distance away. Korfball is played on an indoor court that is split into two halves. Each post is positioned away from the edge of the court, allowing play of the ball all around the post. The easiest way to get an idea of what Korfball is like is to watch it, I would highly recommend!  

My main volunteering roles at 含羞草视频 have been as a Physiology Placement Student with Triathlon and Founder/Club Chair of AU Korfball. Throughout my placement with Triathlon, I have developed the skills I require to move into a career in Sports Physiology and have had some amazing learning opportunities such as going on camp to Portugal with the squad for 2 years in a row. My role starting up and as Club Chair for Korfball has been an extremely rewarding experience. To know that I have contributed to everyone at the club starting a new sport and enjoying it so much is amazing, and I have enjoyed working with the committee this year to help the club have an extremely successful year! I was honoured to receive the Ann Wilson award at AU Colours for my work in setting up Korfball and I am excited to see the club progress and get even better in years to come. 

Through opportunities that the CVA advertised, I was able to volunteer at the Kitting Out held on campus before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games last summer. Being able to play a part in a valuable experience for all the athletes who represented Team England was very fulfilling and highlights the amazing opportunities the CVA offers out to students at 含羞草视频.  

The main words that stick out for me are independent and supported. Any volunteering opportunity I have had within 含羞草视频 has encouraged me to take on the role in my own way, be proactive and I have always felt that my suggestions and opinions have been valued. Despite having this high level of independence, there has never been a time where I haven’t felt supported within a role, and I always knew who I could talk to for any advice and help. 

Make the most of all the opportunities available and don’t be afraid to try something a bit different! Sometimes giving things a go that worry you at the start end up being the best experiences and you learn so much from them! 

I find volunteering an extremely rewarding experience as you feel like you’re having a real impact in allowing other people to learn, develop and have fun! It also provides an amazing opportunity to learn about yourself and develop personal skills that you can use in all aspects of life. Lastly, you meet some great people volunteering who make the experience so much more fun and you can learn so much from. I would recommend volunteering to anyone, no matter how big or small, during their time at university!