UCLan staff and students to join national campaign
The largest-ever team of Rugby League volunteers will be out in force during Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021), and with two years to go until the start of the tournament, members of the public can now register their interest in joining RLWC2021’s volunteer workforce.
Earlier this year the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and partners Preston City Council and the Preston Marriott announced they had combined forces to produce a successful bid for Preston to be a training base for the tournament, which will be held in October and November 2021.
The event will signal a breakthrough moment for the sport, as the men’s, women’s and wheelchair games will come together for the first time on the biggest stage.
Now the organisers are looking for a total of 2,021 volunteers who will provide the backbone for all three tournaments, and not only can the public now register their interest in forming part of the record-breaking volunteer workforce, they can also etch their name in history by proposing the official name for RLWC2021’s volunteer team.
Anyone who registers their interest in joining the team can suggest a title for the volunteers, who have been known as ‘Team 13’ and ‘The Cup Squad’ at previous editions of the Rugby League World Cup. The top suggestions will be put to a public vote in the new year, with the person responsible for coming up with the winning name receiving a pair of VIP tickets to the men’s tournament opener at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
The volunteer team will form an essential part of RLWC2021, undertaking a number of crucial roles to ensure a smooth delivery and world class matchday experience for everyone involved. There will be a range of volunteer roles available across a number of functional areas, including spectator services, team liaison and hospitality.
UCLan has developed a strong ethos of working together for positive change within the local community. The take-up of volunteering opportunities by both students and staff plays a key role in this commitment which in the last 10 years has seen more than 10,000 volunteers contribute over £8million to the local economy in volunteer time alone.
"There will be plenty of opportunities for people to get involved both in 2020 and 2021 and I look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds and experiences to the team."
UCLan’s Dr Adrian Ibbetson, Director of Sport and Engagement, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Together with our partners at Preston City Council and the Preston Marriott we are delighted to have been named as a host training venue for the Rugby League World Cup 2021. As a University we will now be encouraging students and staff from across UCLan to register their interest in becoming volunteers so they can really feel a part of this ground-breaking, international sporting event.”
RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton said: “Volunteers will be the backbone of what will become the biggest Rugby League World Cup ever.
“Previous global events have shown just how integral volunteers are to the smooth running of a tournament. Our volunteers will be the first faces people see when they arrive at stadiums and train stations up and down the country so it’s vital they get a warm welcome.
“There will be plenty of opportunities for people to get involved both in 2020 and 2021 and I look forward to welcoming people from all backgrounds and experiences to the team.”
Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow added: “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as a host training venue for a Rugby League World Cup 2021. This is a great opportunity for the city and we hope that Prestonians – current and future rugby fans alike – embrace our role. This is now your chance to be involved and register your interest in volunteering to ensure this event is a huge success.”
To register your interest in joining the RLWC2021 volunteer team and submit your entry to name the team, visit: www.rlwc2021.com/volunteers