Inacio Noronha
RAIA: With the FIFA U-17 World Cup preparations underway, volunteer registrations for the tournament have begun. Director for Local Organising Committee Javier Ceppi spoke at lengths about the volunteer programme at Raia, on Tuesday.
Speaking about the volunteer programme Javier Ceppi said, “I see interest in football in India continuously growing. I have seen a huge football following in India. Around 60 to 65 percent of the population in India says they are football fans.
“I have not only seen their interest in European football or FIFA World Cup, but also in domestic tournaments like Indian Super League and I-League. The volunteer programme gives every football fan to come forward and take part in the first FIFA event India will host.”
When asked if the rural village youth will be given more preference for the volunteer programme he informed, “We want to include participation from rural areas, and we can see the interest through the volunteer applications we have received.”
“Mission XI Million has already reached out to 2000 schools, and many of these schools are in really remote areas. We want to involve rural areas, but to involve them for the future of football in India, not just for an event that will happen over one month,” he added.
“Every person who works for a big sporting event starts their career as a volunteer. It gives football fans in India a chance to be part of the event. Everyone who wants to be involved in this historic event gets a chance to apply. Volunteers play an extremely important role in every FIFA tournament and they will also play a central role in U-17 World Cup in India,” he concluded.
