SAN FRANCISCO, December 05, (THEWILL) – Every year, December 5 is set aside specially as International Volunteers Day (IVD), which is an international observance that was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.
It presents an opportunity for the international community to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and recognise volunteer contributions at local, national and international levels.
In recognition of the vital contributions that volunteers make to football and FIFA tournaments, and to commemorate the IVD, FIFA announced on Saturday, the launch of a brand new global volunteer programme aimed at harnessing the passion for and interest in football around the world.
The new global programme, known as FIFA Volunteer, is aligned with FIFA’s overall vision of bringing football to new fans and audiences. It will provide, for the first time, a single, dedicated platform for people interested in volunteering at FIFA tournaments and events, as well as serving as a registration and application portal going forward.
Fans aged 18 and above will be able to register on the FIFA Volunteer Platform to receive the latest news and updates about volunteering at upcoming FIFA events as part of the new programme. Those interested in volunteering at FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup™, will also be able to apply to become FIFA Volunteers via the platform.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said:
“On International Volunteer Day, I would simply like to say thank you to all the volunteers around the world. Volunteers are not only the heart and soul of FIFA tournaments, but they are the heart and soul of football at every level all over the world.
“Their passion, their smiles, their energy and positivity play an essential role in the success of every competition, contributing to the unique and unforgettable atmosphere in the host countries. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and welcome to the FIFA Volunteer Platform.”
Speaking of her experience volunteering at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia™, one of the many who made it a success, Albina Naskevich, said:
“I’d never previously thought of working in the sports industry, but when I returned from the FIFA World Cup in 2018, I started a job at the 2019 European Games in Minsk. I worked there for almost a year and it was an amazing opportunity to apply all the skills that I’d developed as a volunteer at the FIFA World Cup.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
