A volunteer with time on his hands? Believe it…or not!
By Brian O'Heir, VolunteerTeam
When the Central Coast Mariners' faithful pack in to Bluetongue Stadium, champing at the bit, counting down for the referee to blow 'kick-off', it is fair to say that the fans are probably not thinking of Steve Frame.
Steve who?
Four hours before kick-off, Steve Frame, Volunteer Crew Leader, Central Coast Mariners and his volunteer team are busy working with the Mariners' staff making sure that everything goes smoothly and that the fans – and to be appropriately biased, especially Mariners fans – go home happy and daring to dream of the big games come finals times.
Like all dedicated volunteers, Steve does it because he is passionate - about the game, his football team and his community. He puts in as much time volunteering as some people put into their job, and he couldn't be happier.
"I have grown up playing football, coaching football, watching football, talking football, eating football. I am a card-carrying football tragic. As a Gosford local, when it was announced that there was going to be a Central Coast team in the national competition team I was straight around there to see what I could do to support them. That was five years ago and I haven't missed a home game. For the last two years I have been Volunteer Supporter Team Manager and to be honest, to have this role with the Mariners is the best goal I have ever kicked," Steve said.
So what is involved when you're a volunteer leader of a volunteer team comprising 32 members who make sure that the pre, during and post-match logistics of a game that is on the national and international stage, overseen by FFA match officials, runs like clockwork?
"It takes time, planning and teamwork and making sure that we support the Mariners staff in whatever way we can leading up to the match, and of course especially on match day," Steve said.
"It means a roster of ball persons from clubs across the coast, home-and-away shed attendants, referees assistant, eight field-of-play attendants, program sellers, ticket collectors and two runners for match officials," he added.
However, since signing up to the pioneering Australian social networking service VolunteerTeam, Steve hasn't looked back.
VolunteerTeam is revolutionising the communications and organising efficiency of volunteer teams. Existing teams in surf lifesaving, youth groups and sporting teams rely on the system to coordinate their team activities and reduce the costs not only in financial terms, but most of all the time savings.
"As an administrator I have been surprised at how easy the program is to use and monitor. When I set up our 32 volunteers, we were up and running in no time.
"I used to spend so much time finding email addresses and mobile contact numbers for all the volunteers, whereas now I go to our TeamSpace and all the relevant information is at my fingertips.
"I'd send out emails and then hope all the volunteers had received them and that they would respond in time. But more often than not, I would have to send further emails or phone them.
"Now I send out the bulletin and follow this up on the VolunteerTeam system with a TeamSMS directly to the volunteers. The information is responded to in most cases instantly, allowing me to finalise our rosters for match day a lot more in advance than previously.
"As a volunteer group that operates in a large stadium there would be occasions where we don't actually get to spend time socially on game night but the TeamSpace 'Shout Box' is a conduit for the volunteers to open up and share their thoughts about the game and the team.
"I have also found the members' profile photos allow each volunteer to share more about their hobbies outside of volunteering. When we're at the game, we are busy performing our designated tasks so it was surprising how much we didn't know about each other.
"Also, a major hurdle we have overcome is the fact that we don't receive any spam or junk mail to our mobile and email accounts. That was something a lot of the team were sceptical about.
"VolunteerTeam has made all our lives easier. When you give your time as a volunteer the more time you get back, while still allowing you to do what needs to be done, is a win-win for everyone."
According to Mariners' Marketing Manager Beverly Seers, Steve and his volunteers contribute immensely to the sustainability of the club.
"We couldn't get by with out them," Beverly said. "They are integral to us hosting a great event each and every time the Mariners play at home, on fan days, helping with the community outreach days and, of course, the Mariners' Christmas party," Beverly added.
Steve admits that being a volunteer for his beloved Mariners isn't all that difficult to take.
"I am with friends and supporters who share my passion for the game and the team and who like to help out. Certainly, it isn't dangerous volunteer work - I don't have to worry about sharks or burning trees…and I'd be at the game anyway," Steve advised.
Maybe, but the club is very grateful to him - so much so that in season 2007/08 Steve was awarded the 'Lyle Gorman Chairman's Award for Most Outstanding Contribution to the Club.'
So next time you're at Bluetongue Stadium think of Steve and his colleagues and the work they have put into helping the Mariners staff deliver the best match day experience possible, and remember – they're volunteers who love to contribute, love the game and love their team.
Author: Brian O'Heir © VolunteerTeam 2010, Image: Murray Richards © VolunteerTeam 2010
Disclaimer and Usage – Text and Image free for editorial use where appropriate credits are shown.
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