Less than a year before the start of the European competition, the Association Volontaires 2016 continues its publicity. It was created by the national governing bodies of soccer to manage the Volunteers Program, which is responsible for applications. Its manager, Eddy Filipponi, visited Nice on Friday, July 17. He explained the path to becoming a volunteer and emphasized their crucial role.
Registrations, open since the beginning of May, are proceeding positively. 8,000 applications have already been received, while only (!) 6,500 spots are planned. In Nice, the numbers are almost right: 407 people have expressed their desire to join the movement. In total, 562 volunteers will be in the city and the stadium. “They are the key to success. Without them, nothing is possible,” assures Eddy Filipponi.
The manager of the Association Volontaires 2016 details the criteria to be a candidate: “Being at least 18 years old, having a good knowledge of the city where one is located, and at least mastering English.” However, the language of Shakespeare will need to be well handled depending on the positions aimed at, such as services to the press or VIPs.
No contraindications? Then go online to apply. Be careful, once the form is filled out, you will need to undergo an individual interview. “We prioritize the human aspect,” justifies Eddy. The same values as for a job interview are required, namely “motivation and solidarity.”
Anyone can try the adventure
Love for football, what could be more logical as a selection criterion? Well, not at all: “Someone who likes to share, receive, without necessarily liking this sport, can be a volunteer without any problem,” says Eddy. He mentions the 17 sectors in which the volunteers will be distributed. This concerns transportation, ticketing, public service, etc. Anyone can try to get a spot, whether retired or student, French or foreigner. Missions are also planned for people with reduced mobility.
Present at the information point, student associations will spread the details for donning the volunteer attire. And not just in “sports faculties. This concerns those of business, literature…” confides Benjamin Champagne from FACE 06 (university campuses of Alpes-Maritimes). For Quentin Matton, this Program “will provide a truly rewarding experience, by living this human adventure.” His association, G-addiction, brings together students aged 16-30 from the Nice metropolitan area. In this perspective, he considers the event as “fitting perfectly into our framework, that is to say, energizing the lives of our young people.”
