A Couple’s Calling: How Nicky And Andy Youl Caught The ‘Volunteering Bug’

It has become an “unexpected” international, globe-trotting “adventure” which would likely never have come to pass without a home Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2014. 

It was an event they were invited to apply to be part of, based on the reputation they had developed within the gymnastics community, largely through their work with East Kilbride Gymnastics Club. 

“We do have a lot of knowledge and experience in gymnastics and we knew it (Glasgow 2014) would be a really big worldwide thing, but to be asked to be part of it and considered was quite an honour,” says Nicky. 

Andy adds; “The very fact it (Glasgow 2014) was my very first big event meant I was kind of awestruck; meeting people that you may have heard of, but had never actually seen it in person, was a huge experience and very enjoyable.” 

Unsurprisingly, the pair are keen to emphasise the benefits of getting involved with volunteering for Glasgow 2026 and hope to be there themselves come next year’s Commonwealth Games. 

HOW VOLUNTEERING BECAME A VOCATION 

They were initially drawn to gymnastics as parents playing the “taxi service” role for their two daughters. Nicky also coached, while Andy who had often found himself “left at home alone” moved into a committee role, before gaining further volunteering experiences. 

It is clear why those associated with recruiting volunteers for Glasgow 2014 were so keen for the pair to be involved, with their passion for making a difference obvious to anyone who is fortunate enough to spend time with the couple. 

“We started volunteering and helping out because it allowed the club (East Kilbride Gymnastics Club) to be able to progress and do more,” states Nicky. 

Andy continues; “Our girls haven't done gymnastics for 12 years now, but we're still involved and still making sure that the club exists for the girls and boys that come after our kids.  

“It has been on the go since 1974, so you have to make sure that it’s sustainable and that the structures are there for it to continue onwards for the lifetime (of the children involved).” 

Nicky adds; “If nobody gave up time and effort to allow them to go to competitions or do competitions, then the children don't get that opportunity and if they don't get that opportunity at the low level, will they ever get to a higher level. 

“For most it starts when they’re parents and then hopefully like us they ‘get the bug’ and go on to do bigger things, but you have to start somewhere.”  

MEETING MEDALS AND MAKING MEMORIES 

Nicky and Andy admit they have “countless” incredible memories from their major event experiences, but one in particular stands out in Andy’s mind, when he met arguably the greatest gymnast in history, five-time Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci.  

“She was a team manager and she came into the training hall (where Andy was working) and there was a kind of a strict no photography rule, but unfortunately it had to get broke,” he says with a wink. 

“Meeting your heroes, seeing them up close and personal, and being with the best athletes in the world has been a real personal highlight and that's why I keep on trying to get back to the training hall every time!”

While appreciating that all volunteering positions are important to the running of a successful event, Nicky too is a fan of roles which allow them to view the best in the world demonstrating their incredible skills. 

“It’s not like you’ll sit and chat to them, but you get to see them up-close and being able to see how they warm-up or interact with one another is fascinating because it’s so different to what you will see on the other side, when the cameras are on them,” she says. 

“There’s something very special about being there and while you’re not directly affecting them, you’re making sure they have a comfortable safe place to train and that’s import to help them prepare. 

“So, when you watch them go out and win medals, after you’ve seen them in tears the day before, you feel a bit of relief for them, but also you know you’ve played a little part in that.” 

THE POWER OF THE VOLUNTEER UNIFORM 

Among the many highlights of being a volunteer is receiving a new, often “very nice bright and colourful” official uniform, with Andy and Nicky treasuring the many t-shirts they possess from a host of major championships at home and abroad. 

“It filled me with a real sense of pride and in 2014 as a Clydesider you knew you were part of that bigger picture,” he recalls.  

“People would stop you and ask about the role and what it was like to work on the event they were watching on TV and you’re definitely part of a special group of people.” 

Nicky continues; “It makes you stand out, but it allows you see who else is there and that helps form a community, which is one of my favourite things.  

“It can all start with just being on the train with someone else in a uniform, you go and speak to them and before you know it, you’re keeping in touch and meeting at future events.” 

THE GREAT OF GLASGOW MAKE THE CITY AND THE GAMES 

Based on their experiences of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, but also a host of major gymnastics, athletics and cycling events in the city, Nicky and Andy are adamant the resident population will again ensure that Glasgow 2026 is a “huge success.” 

“One thing about Glasgow over a lot of other places that we volunteered, which everybody commented on, is how friendly it was,” says Nicky. 

“Everybody was like, ‘this was the friendly Games’ and everyone visiting was just so taken with the Glaswegians, who were definitely a big plus!” 

Andy agrees, stating he hopes visitors again have the opportunity to see “the real Glasgow.” 

“We want people to have a great experience and the passion and enthusiasm of the volunteers is so important to that,” he says. 

“Volunteers need to be proud of their city and be able to impart that on the people coming to the Games as they’re often the first friendly faces they’ll see after arriving here.” 

WHY YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED AS A GLASGOW 2026 VOLUNTEER 

Andy and Nicky insist their application to join the Glasgow 2026 team was submitted as soon as the volunteer portal went live, but they are keen for others to follow them. 

“Please do apply,” insists Andy. “It is great to be part of something, to be a small cog in a big wheel and making sure that it happens in your home city. 

“I learned about so many things, like man management for example. It’s honestly a fantastic experience and you’ll get so much more out of it than you put in!” 

Nicky adds; “You don’t need skills,” before laughing and added; “well, if you end up at gymnastics it’s perhaps helpful if you can use a hoover though because chalk gets everywhere! 

“You don't need to have a sporting background you’ll receive training; you just need to have enthusiasm, passion and a smile and just be willing to get stuck in. 

“You’ll come away thinking ‘that was brilliant’ and that’s when, like us, you get the ‘bug’ from doing it once and you’ll be looking for the next event, it’s kind of infectious, in a good way!”