Since 2018, volunteers have supported a vast number of football events in Qatar, including Amir Cup finals, stadium inaugurations, the Arabian Gulf Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA Arab Cup.
Volunteers have contributed to a host of functional areas, including spectator services, media operations, health and safety, security, and many others.
The SC spoke to four volunteers about their experiences and what people have to gain from being part of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world:
Safiya al-Zahrani, Safety & Security
Age: 35
Nationality: Qatari
Occupation: Business Strategist
Events volunteered: Amir Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup
“Volunteering provides a host of benefits, like developing your personal skills. You also benefit from helping others, which makes you feel happy and gives you energy to give back. For me, it’s a passion – and it should be a passion, where everyone should be happy to help others. If you volunteer during big events and to support the country, it makes you feel like a valuable member of society.”
Anthony Kariru, Spectator Services
Age: 50
Nationality: Kenyan
Occupation: Science Teacher, Aspire Academy
Events volunteered: Amir Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup
“Qatar is a great country, and in some small way, this is my way to give back to Qatar. I’ve always felt, especially when you get an opportunity or a privilege to be a part of big events, it’s a way of playing your part in making these events a great success. The friendships I have made as a volunteer has been one of the best things I’ve experienced.”
Afreen Nagaria, Workforce
Age: 38
Origin: British-Pakistani
Occupation: Primary School Teacher
Events volunteered: Amir Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup
“When you volunteer, you get to know a lot of people and a lot of cultures from around the world. You learn how to respect other people. I also believe it is important to give something back to the community where you live. Volunteering helps you learn practical life skills, like how to communicate with different nationalities and how to deal with sudden issues that arise at any moment. As a mother, I need to be a perfect role model for my kids, so volunteering is a way to show that.”
John Rodrigues, Spectator Services
Age: 38
Origin: Indian
Occupation: Human Resources
Events volunteered: Amir Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FIFA Arab Cup
“Volunteering is an experience that helps you build up communication skills, helps you build up team spirit, helps you learn about different cultures and different people. Of course, if you love football, volunteering is the best experience possible as you can learn so much and enjoy the sport. The most important part is being part of a global event like the FIFA World Cup, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a privilege to be involved in.”
There is still time to be part of the biggest sporting event in the world. One has to visit https://volunteer.fifa.com/login to register his/her interest in volunteering for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
