Volunteering pays off for sport student

A dedicated Teesside student has been crowned the Sports Universities North East England (SUNEE) Volunteer of the Year.

Michaela Summers, MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology, was presented with the prize during an annual award dinner at Hardwick Hall.

SUNEE is a partnership between us and the other regional universities which aims to transform the delivery of sport across the region.

Michaela received her award after completing over 100 hours of volunteering.

She said: ‘Volunteering is really enjoyable, but it’s also very rewarding when you see the kids taking part and getting so much out of the sessions.

‘After University I would love to think I could get a job in sport - I will take any opportunity I can get.

‘The volunteering does look good on my CV, but it’s also given me some great opportunities and I’ve really grown in confidence.’

Michaela also feels that her decision to come to Teesside has proved to be the right one.

She added: ‘Looking back, Teesside was obviously the right choice for University - the course has been very good and the volunteering has just added to that.’

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