8 stages to achieve the dream of participating in the World Cup.. All you need to know about volunteering in the 2022 World Cup

DOHA

- After more than 115,000 people from 187 countries applied to volunteer for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, during the first week of the launch of the FIFA Volunteer Programme;

Director of the Volunteering Strategy Department at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy Nasser Al-Moghaiseeb confirmed that the registration window for the program will close next July, and that the selection of all volunteers will be completed by the end of next September.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy launched the FIFA Volunteer Program during the World Cup last month, and opened the door to submit applications for participation in the program, which provides an opportunity for 20,000 volunteers from around the world to contribute to supporting the operational aspects, during the organization of the event expected at the end of this year .

Al-Mughaisib said - in an exclusive interview with Al-Jazeera Net - that the committee tried, as much as possible, to ease the conditions for volunteering for citizens and residents, in order to provide volunteer opportunities for all, as the basic condition for volunteers is that they should not be less than 18 years old next October without the need to Previous experience in volunteer work, noting that the process of selecting volunteers goes through 8 stages, including training and qualification courses.

On the importance of the Volunteers Program, Al Mughaisib explained that the program will be the largest volunteer activity in the history of the State of Qatar, and through it the Supreme Committee aims to gather people under the football umbrella to organize the first edition of the tournament in the Arab world and the Middle East, celebrate the region’s passion for football and shed light on the legacy of football. Qatar.

The following is the text of the interview:

Al-Mughaisib: Citizens and residents of Qatar are the core of the volunteer program for the 2022 World Cup (Al-Jazeera)

• What are the conditions for applying for the volunteer program during the Qatar World Cup?

Volunteering is available to everyone of both sexes and from all countries of the world, but all volunteers must be at least 18 years old by October 1, 2022, and there is no upper age limit.

The volunteer must have the passion and love of volunteer work, in addition to being registered in all eight stages of volunteering, and a commitment to work during the tournament period for a period of no less than 10 full days.

The volunteer must also be able to speak English, Arabic or any other language is an added advantage.

• What are the stages of volunteer selection?

There are 8 stages that all volunteers will go through: filling out a form, the introductory game, booking an interview appointment, a personal interview with the volunteer, assigning roles, the training phase, selecting shifts, receiving the uniform and identification card, and providing support during field work.

• Can I volunteer with a friend or family member?

You can apply to volunteer at the same event as a friend or family member, however we cannot confirm your choice to volunteer at that event, or assign the same role and location if you are chosen.

• Will I get paid for volunteering?

All volunteer roles in the 2022 World Cup are unpaid, but it is the opportunity of a lifetime to participate in the largest football event in the world.

Volunteers will receive exclusive gifts such as a uniform, gain valuable experience for years to come, and be able to meet new friends from all over the world.

• Will I get a volunteer certificate?

Once you have completed the minimum number of shifts, you will be able to upload a Certificate of Acknowledgment through the volunteer profile.

• Do safety procedures apply to volunteer work?

The volunteering program adheres to the instructions and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Public Health in the State of Qatar, to ensure that volunteering in the 2022 World Cup is as safe as possible.

• Is getting the Corona vaccine a condition for volunteering?

Up to this point, all volunteers must receive full doses of the vaccine against COVID-19 with an approved vaccine in accordance with the instructions of the Qatari Ministry of Public Health.

The volunteer may be required to undergo a COVID-19 test before starting his shifts, and we will continue to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Public Health and update the volunteers on the latest requirements.

• What are your expectations for the number of applicants in the volunteer program?

Since the Supreme Committee announced in September 2018, the door to volunteering has been opened for those wishing to support Qatar's journey towards hosting the upcoming World Cup.

The volunteer program attracted the attention and interest of football fans from all over the world, and the volunteer registration portal received nearly 450,000 requests to contribute to organizing the World Cup and to participate in the sporting events organized by Qatar in preparation for the tournament.

This turnout is the result of the work done by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in creating a culture of volunteering within the region, and the formation of a strong database over the past four years, and we expect over 100,000 applications to register for the World Cup.

• What are the advantages that favor an applicant over another for the volunteer program?

The applicant’s proficiency in speaking Arabic or other languages ​​gives him an additional advantage over other applicants, in addition to his distinction in communication, interaction and leadership skills.

• How is the selection process among applicants for the volunteer program?

The Volunteer Program places special emphasis on selecting people with problem-solving skills, positive interaction with others, and quick learning.

Communication, leadership, language and teamwork skills are important aids in selecting potential volunteers. Candidates applying for the program will be evaluated and interviewed after ensuring that they meet the conditions.

• Will there be qualification processes for volunteers selected for the volunteer program?

All those selected for the volunteer program will participate in various training and qualification courses in order to deal with and communicate with the public, and security and safety procedures, with the aim of preparing volunteers to perform many tasks and roles, including:

The volunteers will undergo training and qualification courses before entering the field work (Al-Jazeera)

• What is the final target number of the volunteer program?

The program targets 20,000 volunteers from all over the world to contribute to supporting the operational aspects during the organization of the event expected at the end of this year, 75% of the citizens and residents of Qatar, where the Committee wants the people, youth and residents of Qatar to be the beating heart of this World Cup and support it on Totally.

As for the remaining 25% of volunteers, they will be drawn from outside Qatar with the aim of promoting cultural exchange with all countries of the world, by giving them the opportunity to volunteer and participate in this exceptional event.

• When will registration close for volunteers?

The registration of applicants in the volunteer program continues until next July, but we always advise that those interested in registering immediately take the initiative and do not wait for the end of time, especially in light of the great demand for volunteering.

• When will the selection of all volunteers be announced?

Starting from the current April, the selection and interview phase will begin until the end of July, after which the volunteers will be selected and offered tasks to them, and they are free to accept or reject them. This process will be continuous and not take place in one day, as it is scheduled to continue until the end of August. Next August, with the beginning of October, the training phase begins, and then work begins immediately.

• Have a number of volunteers who have previously contributed to the events recently organized by the Higher Committee already been selected?

Yes, the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy has settled on a number of distinguished volunteers who contributed to the success of many recent events and tournaments, such as the Arab Cup 2021, as well as the Club World Cup in 2019, as well as the Emir's Cup.

A number of participants in the "Volunteer Pioneers" program, who are currently part of the organization process, have also been settled. They have priority in volunteering at the World Cup, but this does not prevent new volunteers from registering, because the target number (20,000 volunteers) is not small.

• How will volunteers be classified on operational aspects during the World Cup?

As we mentioned, through the evaluation and interview process, roles are distributed according to the skills and capabilities of the volunteers to 45 different operational entities.

For example, speaking more than one language may give an added advantage to working in roles that require language proficiency.

More than 115 thousand people applied to volunteer in the first week (Al-Jazeera)

• What are the categories of volunteers during the tournament period?

  And how to identify them?

There are many categories according to the tasks assigned to them and the operational entity they follow, and they can be easily identified by the uniform bearing the volunteer logo, in addition to their accreditation card.

• What benefits will be granted to volunteers during the tournament period?

There are many advantages that the volunteers who are selected will get, as the volunteer program provides an opportunity to develop their personal skills, and acquire new knowledge and experiences that may be difficult to acquire during the performance of normal job tasks, or in any other context.

This also contributes to volunteers learning about the cultures, languages ​​and skills of different peoples, which gives them the skill to accept difference, respect others and reach a better understanding of all cultures, in addition to providing opportunities to build new friendships.

At the end of the tournament, each volunteer will receive a certificate stating that he completed his volunteering in the 2022 World Cup.

During the tournament, there are many advantages;

Such as getting a limited-edition adidas uniform with a meal during the volunteer shift, in addition to using public transportation for free.

• When will volunteer work actually start?

The Qatar World Cup will start on November 21 and continue until December 18, 2022, but some volunteer roles will start on October 1, in more than one World Cup location.

• What are the volunteer sites during the World Cup?

Volunteers from Qatar and the world will participate in all operations of the tournament, and will provide support in 45 operational aspects in the official and unofficial sites of the tournament, such as stadiums, training centers, the airport, fan areas, hotels, public transportation centers, as well as some tourist places such as museums.

• How would you describe the FIFA volunteer program during the World Cup in Qatar?

The FIFA Volunteer Program during the Qatar 2022 World Cup is the largest volunteer activity in the history of the country, and aims to gather people under the football umbrella to organize the first version of the tournament in the Arab world and the Middle East, celebrate the region’s passion for football and highlight the legacy of the State of Qatar. The program seeks to empower Thousands of volunteers to play essential roles in all operational aspects during the tournament, and to lay the foundations for a proud and sustainable volunteer legacy in the region.

• What role will the volunteer program play during the Qatar World Cup?

Volunteers form the heart and soul of the Qatar World Cup, which is an inspiring global experience for the Middle East and the Arab world. They are the smile that welcomes everyone, the hand that offers help and assistance, and the voice that cheers with the fans.

During the tournament, volunteers will have an important role in sharing Qatar's proud and proud traditions, and will contribute to building a sustainable legacy for Qatar and the Middle East.