2023-0821 | My FIFA Women's World Cup volunteer experience
Last night, the Women’s World Cup finished and Spain is the new 2023 World Champion. I have yet to watch the full game. Indeed as a volunteer, I do not get to see the game while on duty. And if I were on a break, I would watch the beautiful game on the big screen inside the volunteer centre. It’s not like we have a free pass. In fact, they explicitly told us not to watch the game standing on the aisles where the stadium seats were. Very off putting. But I get it. We could be blocking the aisle and that’s a hazard!
The world’s most beautiful game was on full display and the entire nation followed it like I have never seen before. Perhaps that is my bias as I am involved. Even friends who do not follow any sport - watched the Matildas play.
I am so glad I have my parkrun friends who volunteered with me. The De Lunas, the Lambinos, Manish and of course Ariel - we swapped vollie stories and photos. It felt good to share an experience!
Volunteering was not that easy. I was on my feet for the most part as a Spectator Access vollie. That meant standing outside the Stadium when the gates open two hours prior to a match. We also had to stay at least half an hour after the game finishes. My usual shift was from 5:30PM to 11:30PM. I did not mind the late nights, it’s just too exciting. I welcomed the injection of energy on my day to day. Lucky there was no penalty shootout during my shifts at Stadium Australia or we would have an extra hour or two standing outside the stadium pointing people where to go when they feel lost after losing a game!
Here’s a summary of what i loved most about my FIFA WWC volunteer experience:
It wasn’t the adidas uniform (from head to toe kit) that I received;
It wasn’t the AMAZING people I met while volunteering;
nor that i had a small peek of how a global event is run like a well oiled machine;
nor was it the the inspiration and pride I felt in watching women play hard, drama unfold and so many thrilling moments.
What I loved most was being THERE, participating in a spectator sport, contributing in a small way, feeling the energy, becoming part of something BIGGER than me.
It was seeing young girls with the light in their eyes enter the Stadium, and knowing that this will always be remembered as a defining moment for women’s sport!
It was the World Cup year of the underdogs - Spain, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Colombia, Jamaica, Vietnam and of course The Philippines. Many firsts and many UPSETS all around!
It was the year when the nation fell in love with the Matildas and women’s football.
It was also the year the Filipinas introduced themselves to the world stage and what an impact they made especially to little Filipina girls!
Impact. My one word for the tournament. ⚽️
Some snaps of my time as a Spectator Access volunteer at Stadium Australia. 4 shifts altogether, 6 hours per shift. I mostly point people where to go!
The End.