With National Volunteer Week (NVW) kicking off today, the ASC has created a digital map that encourages clubs and organisations to champion the people who make the sports we love possible.

The interactive map will showcase thousands of volunteers and give Australians a glimpse into the diversity of volunteers involved in sport, from our big cities to outback towns.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said it’s an innovative way to recognise the invaluable contribution volunteers make as part of the 3 Cheers for Volunteers initiative.

“Volunteers are the heart of Australian sport and we’re incredibly grateful to the 2.8 million people who make sport a place for all,” Perkins said.

“Sport connects people and brings with it a sense of belonging and this map is a great way to highlight the benefits volunteers get from their involvement in community sport.

“This is a week to shine a light on the canteen staff, the timekeepers and the scoreboard attendees.

“We encourage all organisations to highlight their local heroes and share their stories for all to celebrate.”

Australia’s Sport Participation Strategy, Play Well, and the Sport Volunteer Coalition Action Plan has prioritised the recognition and retention of volunteers as critical to the health of the sport sector.

Ahead of National Volunteer Week, the ASC visited dozens of volunteers from Bunbury in Western Australia to Boat Harbour in Tasmania.

The previously untold stories will be shared across social media with each one showcasing the important role volunteers play and the benefits of being involved in sport.

Among them is Umina Bunnies Rugby League Football Club President Dean Young who volunteers to keep kids off the street – underpinning this year's NVW theme: connecting communities.

“This club has become my second family. For me it’s important that these kids have somewhere to go and grow up with mates in a healthy environment,” Young said.

Now one of the fastest growing clubs in the state, Young has helped it grow from 188 players to more than 500 in two years. He said it’s a job anyone with the right heart can do.

“Everyone should volunteer for at least one year of their life. If we can help young kids become good adults then it benefits the whole community.”

The digital map is among a suite of free resources the ASC has produced to help club administrators attract, support and celebrate their volunteers.

The map forms part of the ASC’s longstanding ‘3 Cheers for Volunteers’ initiative which has been embraced by the Australian sport community year on year.