Volunteers have long been the backbone of amateur and community sport across North America. From local soccer leagues to community swimming clubs, these unpaid contributors provide the time, energy, and expertise that keep grassroots sport running. However, recent trends indicate that volunteer numbers are declining, putting increasing pressure on the small core of highly committed individuals who continue to shoulder most of the work.
On average, North American sports volunteers contribute 105 to 143 hours annually , roughly 2 to 3 hours per week, and many stay involved for around six years. While this level of commitment is higher than many other sectors, such as health or education, the reliance on a shrinking pool of dedicated volunteers is becoming a challenge.
Not all volunteer contributions are equal. A small group of core volunteers does the majority of the work. The top 10% contribute more than 372 hours annually, and some daily helpers log over 500 hours per year. By contrast, about 37% of volunteering is episodic, taking place just 1–4 times annually and averaging 36 hours per year. This wide gap highlights the dependence of sports organizations on a handful of highly committed individuals.
Demographics also play a role. Volunteers aged 35 and older tend to contribute up to twice as many hours as younger participants. Many of these experienced adults focus on administrative, governance, or professional support roles, such as managing registrations, coordinating tournaments, or fundraising. In contrast, younger volunteers are often involved in frontline delivery, such as coaching or assisting at events.
The economic contribution of sports volunteers is substantial. As of 2026, a volunteer hour is valued at approximately $34.79, meaning the total value of volunteer labor across North America runs into billions annually. Despite this, participation is declining. Some regions have reported up to a 50% reduction in adults volunteering at least twice per year, creating growing operational challenges for clubs, leagues, and community organizations.
Large-scale sporting events continue to depend on volunteers. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, for example, will require 65,000 volunteers globally, covering roles from fan engagement to logistics. Similarly, regional and national competitions, community tournaments, and youth leagues rely on the same volunteer base to function smoothly.
With volunteer numbers shrinking and core contributors stretched thin, efficient administration has never been more important. Complex registration processes, manual payment collection, and fragmented fundraising can quickly overwhelm volunteers, discouraging ongoing involvement. This is why SportsPay is so important — it streamlines registrations, payments, and fundraising, reducing administrative burden and freeing volunteers to focus on what they do best: supporting sport at every level.
