ABC Radio 702's Adam Spencer
By Lisa Saremel
As presenter of ABC Radio 702's morning program, Adam Spencer must have one of the busiest jobs in Sydney. But that doesn't stop him from getting involved in volunteering.
In between presenting the 702 Breakfast program every day, Adam fits in about 10–12 hours a week coaching the Sydney University women's soccer team. "I've been coaching the girls for seven years now and absolutely love it," said Adam. "I happened to be walking past the oval one night and saw a mate of mine taking a training session. I came over to help and haven't left."
Adam began his career in radio on Triple J after winning a comedy competition and co-hosted the Triple J Breakfast show with Wil Anderson for five years. He's also made regular TV appearances including hosting the ABC science program Quantum, before taking the helm at the 702 Breakfast program.
Aside from volunteer coaching, Adam hosts various charitable events and promotes the work of groups such as the Fred Hollows Foundation, the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre and Redkite, the Sydney Swan's children's cancer fund. Adam took to the field himself when he captained a celebrity team in a Redkite AFL match earlier this year.
"Any time I can apply my skills to help a group raise money or awareness is a real buzz," he said. "The charitable causes for whom I MC raise between $1.5 and $2 million a year, and it's rewarding to think that I've played a small part in that money going where it is needed."
"The charitable work gives me an insight into all sorts of life experiences that I would never have otherwise encountered. I find that often gives me a bit of perspective and balance," he added.
Unafraid to champion his team's successes, his motto 'we play to have fun but it's more fun when we win' is clear when he says this year's highlight is definitely winning the grand final.
Adam admits the girls help keep him sane. "I'm not the 'guy off TV' when we're training," he said. "I'm the dickhead that makes you do push-ups."
More information
Visit ABC Radio 702
Visit AdamSpencer.com.au
Visit the Sydney University Soccer Football Club
The Centre
for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au