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Why I Volunteer in Aberdeen: Young Volunteers
Young people are making a huge difference across Aberdeen every day through volunteering. Giving their time to create positive change, young people volunteer through various ways such as delivering sport sessions, supporting community events and helping people stay connected through social activities.
Young volunteering plays an important role in communities across the city. Not only does it help local organisations deliver vital services, but it also allows young people to build confidence, develop important skills, make connections and gain valuable experience for their futures.
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.
Get involved: Volunteer in Aberdeen!
There are hundreds of different ways you can give your time as a volunteer in Aberdeen! The great thing about volunteering is that it is so inclusive, no matter your experience, time you have to give or age, there is a volunteer opportunity to suit you and an organisation in Aberdeen that would really value your contribution.
Have a look below at some of our recently added opportunities and discover how you can make a big difference in your local community!
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.”
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Trustee / Chair
Sport Aberdeen
Published on:
September 7, 2026
9/7/26
Joining our Board means contributing your time, judgement, experience and networks to an organisation with real civic purpose and impact. Trustees provide strategic leadership, governance and stewardship, helping ensure Sport Aberdeen remains sustainable, accountable and focused on community benefit.
Sport & Fitness
Sport & Fitness
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
Student Research Volunteers (Law, Finance, Technology or Journalism)
Elphinstone Research Group
Published on:
September 7, 2026
9/7/26
Elphinstone Research Group is looking for students and young adults in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who want practical experience of research and public writing. Volunteers can contribute to projects in legal research, finance, technology and AI, policy, or the King Street Journal, depending on their interests and experience.
Education & Employability
Education & Employability
Remote
Remote
Volunteer Christmas Elves for Santa's Grotto
All Life Chances
Published on:
September 7, 2026
9/7/26
Santa and the All Life Chances charity is looking for enthusiastic, fun-loving volunteer Elves to help in Santa's Grotto in the Bon Accord Centre Aberdeen this Christmas. Please get in touch if you are a fun, energetic person who loves Christmas and committed to bring smiles to all the children's faces.
Children & Families
Children & Families
Aberdeen
Aberdeen
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