FIFA WWC: Volunteering fueling the passion of football fans
Over the past month, the FIFA Women’s World Cup was brought to Hamilton as many fans from around the globe attended in support of their nation.
Throughout the tournament, over 5000 volunteers will help guide, support and provide for travelling fans around the world, though for Curtis Osborne, his experience was nothing short of a dream.
Osborne, a 19-year-old from Waipukurau, moved to Hamilton to begin his studying journey at the University of Waikato.
Though moving to Hamilton was primarily due to studies, he mentioned how the World Cup also had a large influence on his decision to come here,
“I knew that Hamilton was going to be a host city, and this was a big part of my excitement about moving here”.
Source: Curtis Osbourne
Osborne had the privilege of meeting the volunteer manager Kieran through his studies, who pointed him in the right direction to apply, which included multiple training sessions and an interview.
After becoming a volunteer, arriving at the games three hours before kick-off was the expectation, to discuss the evenings’ events and where the individual team members would be located in the stadium.
Osborne emphasised how his experience volunteering exceeded his expectations, with his role coming to a close now that no more games are being played in Hamilton. He said,
“It was thoroughly enjoyable to be part of such a great event. I knew that the World Cup was a big deal, but I didn’t expect Hamilton to get behind it in the way that they did. The Zambian fans were the highlight for me, who danced and partied long after the final whistle blew following their win over Costa Rica”.
“It was thoroughly enjoyable to be part of such a great event. I knew that the World Cup was a big deal, but I didn’t expect Hamilton to get behind it in the way that they did. The Zambian fans were the highlight for me, who danced and partied long after the final whistle blew following their win over Costa Rica”.
Curtis Osborne
Having the opportunity to volunteer at an event such as a World Cup doesn’t come around often. It provides the chance to engage and mingle with people from all around the world, which was one of the main aspects Osborne enjoyed.
“One of the most enjoyable parts was meeting so many amazing people, from the volunteer team, stadium staff, and of course, the match-going fans from around the world. I loved being a part of the event and contributing something to the game we all know and love.”
Osborne’s passion for the sport over the last 12 years led him to an experience he will never forget. The fans, staff and incredible atmosphere culminate to form lifelong memories. It indeed was a football fan’s dream.
