Meet North Texas' World Cup volunteers
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These outfits will probably make a killing on eBay after the tournament. Photo: Courtesy of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
World Cup volunteers won't get paid for their time this summer, but FIFA is setting them up with some enviable swag to help sweeten the deal.
Why it matters: The volunteers will be the first impression of North Texas for many World Cup travelers, from welcoming them at the airport to helping them navigate the venue and fan festival and finding things to do around town.
State of play: Around 33,000 people applied to volunteer at North Texas' World Cup events. From that pool, 15,000 were invited to a tryout and 5,000 were selected.
- Volunteers have to be at least 18 years old, pass a tryout and background check, and complete mandatory training, with preference given to people who can speak more than one language.
- The final group for North Texas includes soccer coaches, 1994 World Cup spectators, and people who regularly volunteer with other organizations.
Fit check: Adidas designed the FIFA volunteer uniform package, which includes three T-shirts, pants, shorts, a mid-layer jacket, a cap, a crossbody bag, sneakers and three pairs of socks.
- Volunteers will also get patches themed after their host city and meals during each shift.
- They can mix and match the items based on their preferences.
Zoom in: Eunice Doehring was new to soccer when she volunteered at the 1994 World Cup in Dallas. This year, she will be an ambassador at the airport.
- "Seeing the fans in the stands cheering, the colors, the energy, the excitement was so much fun" in 1994, Doehring says.
Zoom out: Many people have criticized FIFA for not paying people to work at its World Cup events, despite the tournament's high ticket costs and broadcast deals.
- The association says volunteering at a World Cup is a "once-in-a-generation experience" with networking opportunities and a behind-the-scenes view of the tournament.