With the new season kicking off in March, Galway United FC are calling on supporters to "March with United" by volunteering in 2008.

GEARING UP... Galway United's John Russell in action. The club are boosting their off field volunteer base to provide the necessary back-up to the progress being made on it. Photo: Declan Monaghan.

There are currently over 80 people involved off the field in running Galway United and to grow as a football club they are looking to widen their volunteer base.

The club says there are positions across a wide range of functions at Galway United that they want to grow to further their plans for 2008.

Daniel Walsh, Galway United's Promotions Officer, says there are many benefits for volunteers who want to help the club in a very real way.

"People can gain invaluable experience and insight in certain fields such as marketing, promotion, event management and journalism, but most of all they can make a direct input to the club as it continues to grow," he said.

He said that Galway United provides free training in certain fields such as website maintenance and stewarding.

Walsh sees the campaign of mobilising volunteers as a key part of marketing the club in the coming year.

"There are fantastic volunteering opportunities at Galway United for people to gain invaluable experience in their respective fields. It also gives supporters an opportunity to become an integral part of Galway United Football Club," he said.

Galway United recently won the overall Marketing Institute Award for the Western Region and Walsh believes a large part of this is down to the volunteers currently involved in the club.

"We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the people who volunteer for the club; each and every one of them can take huge pride in our achievements in 2007. We are bidding to strengthen this and reach a new level in the coming years."

One of the first positions to be advertised is that of Club Journalist. The club is seeking a voluntary journalist to assist in the promotion of the club through the media, press office, match programme and website.

Walsh said the job would ideally suit student or graduate interested in breaking into field of journalism.

Articles will be published on Galway United website, matchday programme and club newsletter and also possibly in local newspapers.

Walsh said that the position, which would involve two or three hours work per week, might suit someone working towards a qualification in journalism or someone who was looking for work experience having finished their studies.

Those interested can contact Daniel Walsh, Promotions Officer on 085 7208616 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it More voluntary positions will be advertised in the coming weeks.

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