More than 700 students will attend the Heart of the Community Sport Volunteer Expo at the South Australian Sports Institute today as part of National Volunteer Week.

Attendees include students from 25 high schools, as well as tertiary and international students, to explore the diverse volunteering pathways available across the sector.

Students have the opportunity to connect with more than 30 exhibitors including state sporting organisations such as Netball SA and Athletics SA, professional clubs like Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Clubs and the Adelaide 36ers. Adelaide University and Flinders University will also be on hand.

The expo will highlight the breadth of volunteer roles available - from coaching and officiating to marketing, operations and administration - and showcases how volunteering can be a pathway to future study, employment and major events.

South Australia hosts some of the world’s biggest sporting events, including the Tour Down Under, Adelaide International and the upcoming Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, where volunteers can gain valuable hands-on experience in major events.

The expo also showcases and celebrates sport volunteers, where students will hear from and be inspired by volunteers attending the event.

Among the speakers is 15-year-old Mia Lombardi-Marrone, sharing more about her experience volunteering at the 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championships in Adelaide, where she was selected to play a role as the event’s mascot, ‘Diggy’.

With ambitions to work in sport, Mia has already accumulated two years of volunteer experience, including assisting at grassroots football games prior to her involvement in the international beach volleyball event.

As part of the State Government’s commitment to get kids off screens and get more students volunteering, $1 million is being provided to Volunteering SA&NT to expand the Student Volunteer Award Program. This initiative will allow students to gain valuable skills and experience and year 11 students gain SACE credits.

Those interested in volunteering in sport and recreation can learn more via the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing website.

Quotes attributable to Mia Lombardi-Marrone, Beach Volleyball World Championships volunteer

Volunteering is one of the best things I’ve ever decided to do, and it has provided me with experience for future job prospects; especially because I want to work in sport.

I learn something new every time I volunteer somewhere, and it’s been really important in helping me to grow and discover my passions.

It can be difficult to know where to start but if you have a local footy team, soccer team, netball club, you can help out there because they’re always looking for volunteers and it will be greatly appreciated.