There is some research evidence to support the claims made for the potential for sport participation to make a positive impact of sport on participants’ physical, mental and social health (Coalter, 2000; Atherley, 2006) For example, at a community level, evidence suggests that sport can play a significant part in facilitating community bonds, reducing crime rates and providing positive role models/mentors (Nathan, 2010). There is less evidence, however, to suggest that volunteer sports coaches can deliver the kind of sports participation legacy – with attendant community benefits – that have been claimed. Thus, although volunteer sports coaches are being characterised as significant enablers of sports participation experiences for adults and youths within a community, there has been very little research into their motivation, aspirations, retention and recruitment. The aim of this presentation is to examine the strength of the evidence, nationally and internationally, to support claims made for sport and sports coach volunteering to be major community assets.