The Rugby League World Cup 2021 is presenting a record number of volunteering opportunities, with the chance to be part of the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) when applications to join ‘The Power Squad’ opened today (Thursday 25 February) at 8.00am.
The Power Squad will be made up of 2,000 volunteers who will be the faces of the tournament, showcasing the values of Rugby League as well as welcoming the world to England when the 16th edition of this historic global event kicks off in the autumn.
With hundreds of thousands expected to attend matches, and World Cup activations happening across England – plus millions more watching around the world – the RLWC2021 team are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to deliver an exceptional Rugby League World Cup experience for both fans and players.
The Power Squad will, at twenty-one venues across eighteen host towns, play a key role in the delivery of the six-week tournament, with a range of roles, including transport, spectator services, accreditation, way-finding, media, content and broadcast support.
Recruitment opened this morning through an online application process and will conclude at 20.21pm on 23 April 2021. The programme features a dedicated interview process followed by comprehensive training for successful candidates.
The Power Squad will experience the unique atmosphere of the Rugby League World Cup, gaining important skills, meeting new people, and contributing to a world-class global event.
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “The Power Squad programme will be the biggest volunteer squad ever assembled for a Rugby League event. We want to engage with all ages, genders and communities and build on the incredible passion for volunteering at major events in England.
“The UK has a fantastic volunteer network which we hope to tap into. A successful tournament cannot be run without our Power Squad and we hope to welcome many new people to the ever-growing Rugby League family to experience the passion, pride and community spirit of the sport.”
RLWC2021 ambassadors Lois Forsell (Hunslet’s former development officer) and Robbie Hunter-Paul will support the launch of The Power Squad application period, as well as joining the rest of the RLWC2021 Ambassador Squad at the interview sessions and training days to pass on their knowledge of playing in a sporting event of this scale.
Former England Women’s international Forsell said: “I urge everyone in and around the RLWC2021 host towns and cities to take up this opportunity and apply to be a volunteer at international Rugby League’s showpiece event.
“There is no better chance to be the face of a global tournament in England – and with that comes a unique opportunity to play an important role in the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.”
Robbie Hunter-Paul who helped New Zealand reach the 2000 World Cup Final, added: “As a player you always highly appreciate the work that the volunteers do to provide a platform for greatness on the field of play – without a dedicated team of volunteers the tournament wouldn’t be a success.
“There is a real correlation between good mental fitness and new challenges and opportunities. In a time when the world is deprived of opportunities like this RLWC2021 is a beacon of light and being part of The Power Squad – and experiencing the `power of together’ to make memories that will last forever – is really special.”
Candidates must be available for a minimum of three shifts across the tournament, and be available to attend training sessions in the summer (as well as being 18 or above by the 1 September 2021.)
Applications can be made by visiting volunteers.rlwc2021.com
