Glasgow 2026Organisers of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have cut the minimum age for volunteers from 18 to 16.
Applications for volunteers will open next week, with thousands expected to take part in the event from 23 July to 2 August.
Around 16,000 people were recruited the last time Glasgow hosted the Games in 2014. However, the 2026 edition will be a smaller event, with 10 sports and six para sports held across four venues.
Glasgow was only confirmed to host the games in September last year, stepping in with a rescue package after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew.
Traditionally, the minimum age for Games volunteers has been 18, but Glasgow also cut that to 16 when it last hosted the event.
Volunteer roles will include everything from welcoming and guiding spectators and accredited attendees, to assisting sporting delegations and accompanying athletes to competition venues and media operations.
Other tasks include transporting accredited people, supporting timekeeping, helping distribute equipment and helping sports teams on the ground.
George Black CBE, the chairman of Glasgow 2026, said the volunteers would represent the people of Glasgow – who he called the heartbeat of the city.
He added: “In 2026, volunteers will once again welcome the world to Glasgow, and we are extremely grateful for their energy and enthusiasm as we work hard to stage a Commonwealth Games we can all be proud of.”
PA MediaJade Gallagher, the chief operating officer of Glasgow 2026 , said the minimum age for volunteers had once again been reduced to 16 so that more people could have the chance to take part.
She said: “This is a moment for Glaswegians who would have been just four years old during Glasgow 2014 to be part of shaping a new story for the Commonwealth Games.
“By lowering the volunteering age to 16, we’re giving more people the chance to gain valuable experience in events and sport, all whilst making incredible memories and life-long friends.
“Volunteers truly make the Games; they’re a friendly face in the crowd and vital behind-the-scenes support in our venues.”
The application portal for Glasgow 2026 volunteers officially opens at 10:00 on 16 September for a minimum of a month.
Organisers say full training will be provided for the successful applicants, ahead of the Games getting underway.
In July, it was announced that the first medal of Glasgow 2026 will be awarded in Para-powerlifting – the first time a Para-sport has had that accolade.