FIFA has launched the Volunteer Programme for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ today, with approximately 5,000 enthusiastic people needed to support the tournament. Volunteers will play an important role in welcoming the world to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, giving locals across the Host Cities the chance to share their knowledge and culture with participating teams and visitors. To celebrate the launch, several activities are taking place across various Host Cities in the coming weeks, with each recognising local football community volunteers, and encouraging people to sign up to be part of the tournament next year. Jane Fernandez, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ COO (Australia) said: “Volunteers are at the heart of the football community in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, without their dedication and commitment, major events like the FIFA Women’s World Cup wouldn’t be possible. “The Volunteer Programme is an opportunity for the community to get up close to the action and behind the scenes of the biggest women’s sporting event in the world. We look forward to welcoming our volunteers to the team in 2023,” she said. Volunteers will be the public-facing team on the ground, representing the FIFA Women’s World Cup with pride, enthusiasm and respect. Volunteers will be assisting in stadiums, training venues, FIFA Fan Festival sites, hotels, transport hubs and airports, and roles run throughout the tournament starting from 25 June to 22 August 2023. A variety of positions covering 25 specialist areas including match operations and referee support, to media, broadcast and drivers are on offer. Jane Patterson, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ COO (Aotearoa New Zealand) said: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 brings together so many diverse people and cultures. We’ll be delivering a world-class event to a global audience, so if you want to be part of history, and gain a once-in-a-lifetime experience we’d encourage you to apply through the FIFA volunteer platform.” For more information on how to apply to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Volunteer Programme, click here. To be eligible to volunteer for the tournament, applicants must be 18 years or older by 1 June 2023 and speak at least intermediate level English. Volunteers will need to be available for at least 10 shifts between 25 June and 22 August 2023.

Debbie Butler (volunteer): “I grew up in a football family with parents who were volunteer coaches and administrators at a Queensland level and this started the journey of giving back to the sport I love. My first high profile volunteering role was at the 1993 FIFA U-20 World Cup and this then progressed to 1994 World Masters Games, 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2018 Commonwealth Games. I am still actively involved in the game as a player, manager and spectator.” Barry Rutherford (volunteer): “I really became interested in the Women’s World Cup after becoming a fan of Australia’s star Sam Kerr. I watched her play for several years since the start of her career. I work as a limousine driver and would welcome the role of driver again at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I’ve volunteered as a driver at the Sydney Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and numerous golf tournaments.”