The search is on to find more than 3,000 volunteers to provide the first hello and the final goodbye at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, as the application portal opens today (16 September).
From supporting athletes on the venue during competition, through to being a welcoming and friendly face to hundreds of thousands of spectators and media, volunteers will be at the heart of the action next year when the Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August.
Glasgow 2026 is calling for people to ‘Get In!’ and support the host city to bring the Games to life, encouraging former volunteers and first-time applicants from all backgrounds across Glasgow, Scotland and the UK to apply. It’s good news for those who turned 16 years old by 1 September 2025, as the minimum age has been lowered.
No experience is necessary, and full training will be provided so that volunteers can help the Games run seamlessly. Glasgow 2026 is also offering support to those with barriers to digital access through a partnership with Glasgow Libraries and its DigiPals programme, and Volunteer Glasgow and Skills Development Scotland are hosting drop-in sessions to guide people through the application form.
To mark the launch of the volunteer portal, Commonwealth champions and former volunteers came together with a Glasgow 2026-branded taxi, calling on the nation to ‘Get In’.
Emily Campbell is a Commonwealth and five-time European Champion and a double World and Olympic medalist. Said: “From an athlete’s perspective, volunteers at major events, like the Commonwealth Games, bring the energy, the friendly faces and the passion that help us perform at our best.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had amazing interactions with volunteers over the years, and I’ve seen how they can truly transform the experience for both athletes and fans. Glasgow 2026 is a chance for people from all backgrounds to be part of something special and be right at the heart of the action. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now’s the time.”
Volunteers are united by an identity, and at the 2014 Games, the Clydesiders and hundreds of volunteers across the city were the stars of the show, with many going on to volunteer at other major events in the city. A new name for Glasgow 2026 volunteers will be announced next year, shaped in collaboration with volunteers.
Cynthia Tjipuka, former volunteer, said: “Volunteering has been an unforgettable journey for me from COP26 to more recent events such as the World Indoor Athletics Championships, and the UCI Cycling World Championships here in Glasgow. Each of these opportunities gave me the chance to meet incredible people, gain new experiences, and be part of moments that brought the city together on a global stage.
“That’s why I’m encouraging others to volunteer for Glasgow 2026 — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make lasting memories, build friendships, and play a vital role in welcoming the world to our beautiful city again.”
Phil Batty OBE, CEO of Glasgow 2026, said: “Volunteers bring an energetic and friendly welcome to a major event. Since 2014, Glasgow has time and time again demonstrated that people really make this city, and I know the volunteers in 2026 will rise to the occasion.
“We’ve been asked since day one about volunteering, and we’re very excited to open the application portal today. We are encouraging applications from people from all walks of life from across Glasgow, Scotland and beyond – no prior experience is required.
“The appetite to volunteer in the city is high, and there are lots of ways to get involved, no matter what your interests are. It’s a great way to soak up the action, focus on your wellbeing and be part of shaping a new era for the Commonwealth Games. This is a chance to say, ‘I was there’. So come and get involved and start your application today.”
Applications are now open to be a volunteer at Glasgow 2026. To find out more and apply, visit www.glasgow2026.com.