The search is on to find more than 3,000 volunteers who will be the welcoming face of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships – an exciting new multi-sport event that brings together some of the continent’s leading sports.

Applications officially opened this morning with volunteers set to play an essential role in the experience offered to athletes, officials, media and spectators as they visit Glasgow and Scotland next year. Volunteers will support a wide range of functions from Spectator Services and Accreditation, to Transport and Media and much more.

The Glasgow 2018 Volunteer Programme was launched at Glasgow’s iconic Kelvin Hall, which recently reopened following a £35 million redevelopment. The launch event was attended a team of Glasgow 2018 Volunteering Champions and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, who has been named as an official Volunteering Ambassador.

Thousands of people over the age of 16 are expected to express an interest in joining the volunteer team in what will be one of the most ambitious and inclusive volunteering programmes ever undertaken in Scotland, with the Glasgow 2018 volunteers set to be right at the heart of the inaugural European Championships.

Glasgow 2018 is committed to ensuring that the Volunteer Programme is open to all, building on the success of previous programmes delivered in the city including the Host City Volunteers and the Homeless World Cup. Full support will be given to those wanting to be part of the team regardless of their experience or current circumstances.   

To be staged every four years, the European Championships will combine the existing European Championships of Athletics, Aquatics, Cycling, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon along with a new Golf team championships. The first edition will be held in 2018 in a unique sporting partnership between Host Cities Glasgow and Berlin.

This partnership will create a new event on the world stage elevating the status of European Champions and attracting a potential television audience of up to 1.03 billion across the continent, with a wider audience via digital platforms. Attendances across Glasgow 2018 are expected to be in the region of 250,000.

Applications will remain open up until 31 July 2017. A full list of criteria and Frequently Asked Questions is available at www.glasgow2018.com

Glasgow 2018 Championships Director Colin Hartley said: “The Glasgow 2018 European Championships promises to be a memorable event for the whole city and our volunteers will be at its heart. From assisting elite athletes at venues to providing a friendly and welcoming face to the thousands of visitors arriving during Championships time, the volunteers will play an absolutely vital role in ensuring Glasgow 2018 is a success.

“Glaswegians are renowned for their generosity and friendliness and these are valued which we aim to reflect in our volunteers. This will be one of the most inclusive volunteer programmes ever delivered so we want to hear from everyone regardless of their previous experience or current circumstances. There is a real opportunity for you to play your part in sporting history by applying to become a Glasgow 2018 volunteer.”

Volunteers have performed key functions at many sporting events in Glasgow in recent years, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games when the Clyde-siders and the Host City Volunteers put on a world-famous welcome for visitors.

Glasgow-based comedian and Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli, who has been named as an official Volunteering Ambassador for the Championships, is in no doubts that the city’s welcoming and vibrant nature will shine through its volunteers.

Sanjeev said: “As a proud Glaswegian I am made up to see another major sporting event coming to Glasgow. I can’t wait to see the spirit of 2014 return to our streets, stages and sporting venues.

“There is a genuine altruism in the people in Glasgow - we never see anybody lost or in trouble without offering help. I KNOW those values will be reflected in our volunteers.

“Glasgow crowds are the warmest & the most enthusiastic as well - I know this from personal experience – and the athletes are in for a treat. But just as important are the people behind the scenes welcoming visitors and making sure everything runs to plan.

“So to anybody thinking of applying to volunteer at Glasgow 2018 I say - get in amongst it!”