More than 1.5 million to stay up all night watching matches and over 4 million inspired to volunteer, finds Royal Voluntary Service
The World Cup is in the Americas this summer, and despite being played across the pond, football fever has already taken hold of many Britons.
New research by Royal Voluntary Service found over 24 million British adults plan to tune into a World Cup game this summer, and almost one in 10 (8%) say they would like to get more involved with football beyond simply watching the tournament.
Like any good case of football fever, there are side effects – particularly for Gen Z and Millennials. Over 1 million 18-34s plan to sacrifice their sleep and stay up all night to watch World Cup games. However, dreams of the trophy also seem to be inspiring the younger generations, as over one in five (21%) would consider volunteering their time to support football in the community.
For the first time, fans now have the opportunity take their love of the game beyond the sofa by connecting with football volunteering roles through through GoVo.
With almost 6 million British adults saying they would consider volunteering in some capacity to support football, people are clearly looking for ways to support, not just spectate.
GoVo is a new digital volunteering platform, offering opportunities with grassroots football teams across the country for footie fans to get a kick out of.
Long after the league season ends and fantasy teams collapse into ruins, while the international stars take centre stage at the World Cup, volunteers will still be out marking pitches, coaching kids, organising training and quietly keeping local football alive.
From coaching positions and inclusive football sessions to groundskeeping and community club support, volunteering opportunities are available for supporters who want to stay involved in the beautiful game long after the final whistle.
Phil Wood, Chair of Operations at Epsom and Ewell Colts FC, a grassroots football club said: “People see the players on a weekend morning – but what is often not seen are the army of volunteers doing everything from seeding pitches, organising venues and arranging all the fixtures on a weekly basis.
“There are so many roles that keep a club running – without volunteers, grassroots football simply wouldn’t exist.”
Volunteering opportunities on GoVo for football fans to tackle include:
· Offering an assist and supporting players at inclusive football sessions
· Becoming a grassroots gaffer as a volunteer Head Coach with a local team
· Getting stuck in helping local clubs run training sessions
· Step in like a super sub and support ad-hoc community football events and tournaments
· Becoming a backroom hero prepping pitches and keeping clubs match ready
· Practicing punditry and creating social media content, matchday updates and digital coverage for teams and foundations.
Dave Stott, Director of Volunteering at Royal Voluntary Servive and Everton season ticket holder, said: “Most football fans have spent years shouting at managers from the sofa convinced they could do a better job – but grassroots football is where people can actually get involved and make a difference.
“Whether it’s helping at a local session, supporting a club behind the scenes or encouraging the next generation of players, volunteering is a way for fans to share their love of football in a completely different way.”
Made possible thanks to the support of players of Postcode Lottery, GoVo connects people with bite-sized volunteering opportunities that fit easily into everyday life. Many of the football volunteering roles are flexible, so England and Scotland fans can find time between World Cup matches to squeeze in helping out.
Meanwhile, Wales fans have a slightly easier schedule to manage.
Those inspired to get involved can browse football or sport-related volunteering opportunities in their area at GoVo.org.