The International Year of the Volunteer recognises people from all levels of the community who give a lot of their spare time to help in many areas and Jindabyne local David Shelley is an example of those people.

AT the start of the 2001 school year, Mr Shelley expressed his interest in becoming involved in the Jindabyne Public School weekly sports program.

He started teaching the Year 5 and 6 children how to play cricket each Thursday afternoon, and then also began to coach them and organise interschool competitions.

When the cricket season drew to a close he brought a couple of footballs to school.

What started with a few students having a kick with the ball soon turned to about 50 children out on the oval wanting to get involved in the sport of Aussie Rules.

Teacher Anne Marie Hurley said the children always look forward to Mr Shelley's footy, so much so the school had to formulate a roster each week as too many children wanted to participate.

"He is an invaluable part of our school sport program, but an outstanding role model for our boys and girls," Mrs Hurley said.

Mr Shelley said since he introduced the game to the local students their skills have really come on.

"Those students who were all fingers and thumbs at the start of the winter are now coming along well with their skills," Mr Shelley said.

This was also evidenced at the recent Auskick day held in Cooma where many of the Stage 3 students from Jindabyne Public School attended.

Mr Shelley said he gets a lot of personal satisfaction looking at the kids enjoying the sport and progressing with their skills which is why he offers his help.

"I am not passionate about football, but more passionate about seeing the students enjoying themselves," Mr Shelley said.

"There should be more volunteers in the community particularly for children's activities as it is usually the young and old of the community who need support and Jindabyne has a large base of young children."