To celebrate the recent launch of the Volunteer Programme for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, Ӱ teamed up with Glen Eira Football Club and Football Victoria to host a volunteer appreciation event in Melbourne / Naarm.
As a thank you to the dedicated volunteer community, our CommBank Matildas and Glen Eira FC club members volunteered their time to host a BBQ, in recognition of their ongoing contribution to our game.
Victorian Minister for Sport, Tourism, and Major Events The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, Ӱ Legacy ‘23 Ambassador Kate Jenkins and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Head of Sustainability Dr Sheila Nguyen, all attended in support of celebrating a team of volunteers, many who have volunteered their time and efforts for over 20 years at the club.
Bringing colour and style to the celebration was Tazuni™, the Official Mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM who made her debut appearance on Australian soil. Much to the delight of kids, parents, and volunteers, Tazuni™ rolled up her sleeves to lend a hand on the pitch, helping deliver a skills and drills session for the club and many junior participants in attendance.
Tazuni™ joined forces with CommBank Matildas Alex Chidiac, Emma Checker, Jada Whyman and Elise Kellond-Knight, to award five local volunteering heroes with FIFA Volunteer Programme jerseys.
As Elise Kellond-Knight said “volunteers are the life and blood of any football club, they make the club function and were vital to my football career.”
Long-time volunteer with Glen Eira FC, Maggie Stavrou shared “I’ve made some amazing friendships and met some wonderful parents. I’ve met young girls who have turned into these amazing young people who all have something differ to offer and to see them go from 13 or 14 year of age, not knowing what they are thinking and feeling, to seeing them find a voice has been a wonderful experience.”
The Volunteer Programme will have an integral part to play in the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM with thousands of enthusiastic people needed to boost the workforce across our five Host Cities in Australia over the next 10 months. These volunteers will be required to help at FIFA Fan Festival locations, stadiums, training sites, hotels, transport hubs and airports.
Sarah Walsh, Head of Women’s Football, Women’s World Cup Legacy & Inclusion says “volunteers are fundamental to the continued growth of our game and through Legacy '23 we are committed to supporting our clubs build capacity to welcome more women and girls into the game. Through the FIFA Volunteer Programme we have the opportunity to provide a much needed boost to the volunteer communities across our game.”
Just like the hundreds of thousands of young players who will benefit from having a tournament of this size in their backyard, local volunteers will also gain experiences and memories from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
To apply for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023TM Volunteer Programme, click
