The Local Organising Committee for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 has launched its volunteer programme to the general public.
The programme will give over 1,000 volunteers the opportunity to be part of the global football showpiece event, which will take place across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain from December 6-16 2017.
The programme, one of the UAE’s biggest volunteering initiatives to date, is now live on www.volunteers.ae.
“Sport has a huge positive impact on individuals and society as whole. This is a unique opportunity for football enthusiasts across the world to gain invaluable skills and experience in the operations of a live sports event,” said His Excellency Aref Al Awani, the committee’s director.
“Volunteers are at the heart of the tournament and are key to the success of the event. I am optimistic that the programme will help participants develop their skills, meet like-minded people and understand how the world’s biggest tournaments are organised.”
The public can now apply to volunteer online. Registration is open to all until 10 October 2017 and all applicants must be 16 years old and above to be eligible to sign up. Over 1,000 volunteers will be involved in the football spectacle across various areas including marketing and communications, ticketing, hospitality, accreditation and operations.
The pinnacle of club football returns to Abu Dhabi, which hosted the 2009 and 2010 tournaments, where seven club champions will come together to claim the ultimate prize. A total of eight title-deciding matches will be played in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, and Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain.
To date four teams have qualified for this year’s edition of the competition: Auckland City of New Zealand (OFC Champions League winners), Pachuca of Mexico (CONCACAF Champions League winners), Real Madrid of Spain (UEFA Champions League winners) and UAE’s host team and Arabian Gulf League winner, Al Jazira. The winners of this year’s AFC Champions League, Copa Libertadores and CAF Champions League will be determined next month.