International Volunteer Day
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Powered by Volunteers: The Roman army behind Bath City Football Club
Thursday, 4 December, 2025International Volunteer Day is a day to stop and celebrate volunteerism across the globe, with many BSU students and staff giving back to the local community through these roles.
One notable local powerhouse that relies on the generosity of volunteers is Bath City Football Club, one of Bath Spa University’s key partners. The football club and the University have been working together for a number of years, providing sponsorship, tailored student nights and most recently seeing a student design the club’s new third shirt.
In an era of billionaires and tycoons owning the world’s most famous football teams, Bath City is a rare instance of fan ownership, meaning the supporters have a controlling stake and can ensure decisions are made with the best interests of everyone. However, this does mean that many staff members are volunteers as the club cannot afford to offer salaries.
As such, many BSU students and staff have taken the chance to volunteer at the club and develop their own personal and professional skills in a practical environment.
Oli Pacetti, a second year BSU Sports Media Production student, and Bath City’s newly appointed co-Social Media Manager, has been working at the club for 18 months and has gained valuable experience in the role. Speaking about his experience volunteering, Oli said:
“Volunteering at the club during my studying has helped me massively. I've developed skills that aids my progression within Sport Journalism and supports my degree in Sports Media Production. Everyone at the club and the university has supported me and wants to help with my pathway to the future. Everyone at the club and the University has supported me and wants to help with my pathway to the future.”
Oli works alongside BSU staff member and alum Matt Francis, with a plethora of Oli’s course mates going down to Twerton Park to film, photograph or simply muck-in where needed.
Course Leader for Sports Media Production, Lizzie Powell, emphasised the importance of this experience in the field:
"Our sports media students volunteer throughout the season to support Bath City’s Women’s and Men’s teams, producing content, match-day coverage, and stills. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to gain real world experience while also playing a key role in elevating the club’s presence in the community and beyond.
“But their impact doesn’t stop there. They volunteer across a wide range of sports, helping to bring visibility to areas that are often underfunded or under resourced. Not only do they see their work used professionally, they also know they’re helping amplify the stories of teams and individuals who deserve to be heard.
It gives those communities a voice and gives our students the chance to help shape it."
It isn’t just in the media sphere that students have been involved at the club. Whether it’s volunteering as bar staff, helping organise birthday parties or even cleaning the inside of the stadium after a matchday, students and staff have been mucking in with this community pillar for a number of years.
Emphasising the importance of volunteers in keeping the club afloat, Bath City’s current Chairman David McDonagh added:
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Bath City Football Club. Their selfless dedication, passion, and countless hours of service enable us to thrive as a community club. We're also incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Bath Spa University.
“Through the close partnership with the club, BSU students can be seen everywhere at Twerton Park. Whether it is in the media centre, beside the pitch, behind the bar or designing our shirts, their commitment strengthens our connection to the local community and helps us inspire the next generation.
Together, volunteers and partners like Bath Spa University ensure that Bath City remains a club for everyone, both on and off the pitch.”
Students looking to get involved with the club can contact them on info@bathcityfootballclub.co.uk, with every opportunity providing the chance to aid the local community and gain further skills outside of the classroom.