Denis Law Legacy Trust and Foundation 92 hosted their annual Volunteer Transfer which sees volunteers swap places for a week-long exchange to experience new cultures, places and people while working across both organisations’ key programmes.
The exchange aims to support volunteers from the two likeminded organisations to develop and learn from one another to shape the future legacy of the charities for participants and volunteers.
First, Denis Law Legacy Trust welcomed volunteers from, Salford-based, Foundation 92 to Aberdeen to experience the Trust’s Streetsport programme, which is run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, and annual Sport di Strada – even going a step further and playing in the tournament! Also keen to sample local life, the volunteers also went on a tour of Pittodrie, home of Aberdeen FC, and visited Aberdeen beach.
Then, volunteers from the Granite City ventured down to Manchester for a first-hand look at Foundation 92’s Premier League Kicks sessions and Sale High School Holiday Camps. A first-time visit to Manchester for many of the volunteers, the trip was completed with a not-to-be-missed tour of Old Trafford, visit to the Trafford Centre and stay at Hotel Football.The annual exchange first took place last year after the two organisations twinned Cruyff Court operations in a move to provide a range of positive opportunities for young people in Aberdeen and Salford.
A fitting end to the exchange, volunteers from Denis Law Legacy Trust visited Foundation 92’s Cruyff Court Class of ’92 in Little Hulton. Volunteers from both organisations came away from the experience with valuable new experiences and skills to take back to their organisations.
One Denis Law Legacy Trust volunteer said “I would 100% recommend the Volunteer Transfer to other volunteers because not only is it an excellent opportunity to learn about a different charity, it is also a great way to push you out of your comfort zone and learn more about your peers and yourself.”
A Foundation 92 volunteer said “I really enjoyed the experience to go to Aberdeen and see the work that Denis Law Legacy Trust do. I came away with lots of ideas and feeling more confident in my role as volunteer.”
Alaina Sinclair, Volunteer Officer, Denis Law legacy Trust said “It is great to once again work with Foundation 92 to deliver this year’s Volunteer Transfer. Volunteering is key to the success of Denis Law Legacy Trust and through this experience volunteers from both organisations have gained new skills and valuable experiences that will stay with them for years to come.”
Jess Peers, Head of Youth Programmes, Foundation 92 said “Both volunteer exchanges were fantastic. It was a good learning experience for all the volunteers and allowed them to share best practise both in Salford and Aberdeen.”