Volunteer recruitment opens for three huge sporting events coming to Glasgow

Glasgow Life has launched volunteer recruitment for three major sporting events coming to the city.

Over the next couple of years, Glasgow will host the LEN European Short Course Swimming Championships and the LGT World Men’s Curling Championship, as well as football matches for UEFA EURO 2020.

Applicants will be able to choose to volunteer for all three of the international sporting events from Monday July 22, with a variety of roles on offer.

Bailie Norman MacLeod, Board Member of Glasgow Life, said: “Our city is one of the top five sporting cities in the world and this accolade has been achieved with the support of the thousands of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who engage with major sporting events every single year.

“We also regularly top the tables when it comes to being one of the friendliest cities in the world, which won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has experienced the warm Glasgow welcome at any sporting event in recent years.

“Our volunteers provide the first hello and last goodbye to event spectators, and they always ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”

Highlighting the positive benefits of volunteering for both physical and mental health, Rob Crerar, 63, from Helensburgh said: “For me, volunteering is about offering up your skills to help others: I can be the person to assist someone visiting our city for the first time, and that’s very important to me.

“Most importantly, it’s very rewarding and you’re guaranteed to make friends and learn new skills so don’t overthink it and just give it a try.”

Across all three events, more than 1,000 volunteers will participate in some of the biggest events in the world, providing support and a friendly, welcoming face to spectators, athletes, fans, staff and more.

It follows the success of similar schemes for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and the European Championships last year.

Mary Crearie, 52, from Balornock shared some advice for this year’s applicants, saying: “There’s nowhere better in the world to live than Glasgow and so there’s nowhere better to volunteer than Glasgow.

“We are all so proud of our city and events like these are the perfect opportunity to show it off on the world stage. Look at the different opportunities available and have a think about what you’d be best suited too – and then just go for it!”

Training is provided for each role and volunteers have the flexibility to request shift days which complement their existing schedule, whether it’s after work, university or in their free time.

Regular volunteer for the city’s events Sandra Wilson, 58, from Carntyne, said: “The rewards you get from volunteering will outweigh anything else. You’ll also get your own fair share of stories to tell.

“During Glasgow 2014 I had to patiently explain to a group of Rugby 7s players that Sauchiehall Street was not, in fact, pronounced ‘Sausage Roll Street’.

“Things like that will always keep you laughing and smiling. Volunteers are a happy bunch and the happiness spreads to everyone you meet.”

Sandra’s partner Robert Wilson, 57, from Carntyne added: “Being born and bred in the east end, I’m fiercely proud of my city and I am always keen to promote Glasgow no matter where I am in the world. We’ve come so far and made such a name for ourselves in recent history – and these major events are the perfect opportunity to show off!”

George Thomson, Chief Executive of Volunteer Scotland said: “Hosting these mega sporting events will again offer Glasgow and its people the opportunity to shine. It’s brilliant to see the organisers reaching out to all people to volunteer.

“We’re delighted to work with Glasgow Life to remove barriers to ensure that everyone, no matter their circumstances, can fully enjoy their volunteer experience.”