Somewhere in the mid of 2016 I saw an online link which took
me to a website which was looking for volunteers for the upcoming 2018 football
world cup in Russia. The site was linked to the official fifa website, so I
knew it was genuine. I also searched and watched videos of volunteer
experiences of the previous world cups, so I instantly knew it would be a great
opportunity.
I went thru the website and read the various parts and
functions in which fifa was looking for volunteers, and was encouraging
international volunteers to apply. I had similar experience in cricket matches
that were being held in Pakistan and other similar events and I thought this
would be a great opportunity for me to be part of an international sporting
event.
The idea of visiting Russia and being part of a global
sporting event was enticing. So I applied online.
Though it was just 2016 and world cup was to be held in
2018, I knew it would be a long and waiting process, as was also mentioned on
the website that the final decision will be communicated by March 2018.
First Test to be a Volunteer
In December 2016, I received an invitation for an online
English language test. The test was online with instant online result. I was
informed instantly that I have passed the test. This was the first step and the
first barrier passed to being a volunteer.
Then again there was a long silence and there was no update
or any news about the next step. I knew I had to be patient.
Second Test
Then in October 2017, I was invited for an online Skype
interview. The interview lasted about 30 minutes but was intensive and tough.
The questions were mainly related to working in team, groups, leadership qualities, decision making and flexibility in attitude and duties.
I wish i had recorded the interview. It was one of the toughest interviews I have come across.
Once again there was no news about the result of my
interview but I was confident that I will be selected.
The Final Selection
In January 2018, I received an informal email informing me
that I have been selected as a volunteer and they wanted my decision and
willingness, If I was still interested to participate. I was also informed that
I will have to arrange my own air ticket but they will try to provide
accommodation which was still not guaranteed.
Visiting Russia was always a dream of mine and I instantly
replied, YES.
Finally in March 2018 I received an official email from FIFA
confirming my selection as a volunteer for the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia. I
was selected as a ticketing assistant. I instantly accepted the job.
Few days later, I received an email containing accreditation
confirmation from FIFA. I was told to apply for the Russian Visa, which I did at my Local Consulate in Karachi.
Russian Consulate gave me the visa on the spot.That was a great surprise. They took the documents along with the accredition letter, checked their system and issued the visa on the spot.
Joining and Starting of Volunteer Duties
Later, I was informed about my shift schedule. I was placed
at one of the airports in Moscow as a ticketing assistant and was to help the
visitors in getting their tickets from the ticket kiosk or the counter.
I booked my flight tickets and was on my way to Russia.
Finally after a wait of two years I was on my way to Russia. A Dream come true.
I arrived at Vnukovo International airport, one of three
international airports in Moscow. After passing immigration and customs, I
bought a mobile phone sim from the airport. The sim had unlimited data plan
which was essential in modern day travelling. I converted currency into Russian
rubble and headed towards my designated hotel, which was provided by fifa.
After checking-in the hotel, I headed towards the Luzhinki
stadium to collected my accreditation pass along with my Volunteer Uniform.
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| Luzinkhi Stadium Russia 2018 |
Once I collected my Accredition Pass, I then went to the Volunteer Center to collect a beautiful volunteer uniform and a
metro travel card which was valid on all types of public transport in Moscow.
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| Volunteer Uniform |
The Volunteer Uniform for FIFA World Cup Russia consisted of:
- 1 bag pack
- Adidas Shoes
- T-Shirt
- Trouser
- Rain Coat
- Jacket
- Soft Bag
From next day I headed towards my designated duty location,
which was at Airport where I was posted as a ticketing assistant and was mainly
helping international visitors in collecting their booked tickets. During my 2
week volunteer assignment I met people from almost every part of the world from
Brazil to Japan to America to Australia.
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| Team of Local and International Volunteers. |
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| Helping happy fans in collecting their tickets. |
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| Helping Fans from Brazil with the Tickets. |
The shift timings would either be from 10 am - 3 pm or 3 pm - 8 pm and at times I would do two shifts in a row to cover up my shift target.
FIFA do not give you a shift target but as i was informed you have to cover at least 20 shifts or similar.
After Shifts
As a volunteer I was given a transport card which was valid on all forms of public transportation in moscow. The card was very helpful in reaching my duty and to roam the city after the shifts.
The card was valid on metro, bus, aeroexpress and electric trains.
After my shifts, I would roam around the city. Moscow is a
classy city with rich history and architecture. Even its metro stations are a
piece of art and architecture. The city is calm with lots of historical places,
lush parks, places of worship and museums and tours. There are regular boat
tours on the Moscow river which are not to be missed. The special mention is
the Red Square, which is the hub of all the tourist activity and a must visit
place in Moscow.
(more photos at : https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155603743405840&type=3)
The city was filled with happy fans who were there to watch
and support their teams. At night the main city center would come to life with
fans chanting for their team and supporting them. Russian government had set up
special fan zones to watch the match on the big screen and some unofficial area
where fans would flock at night to celebrate their teams’ win.
The topping of the trip was the night when Russia reached
quarter finals. It was crazy celebration all around Moscow with people filling
in the streets and chanting slogans for the Russian team and partying late into
the night. That night the city came to a stand-still.
After my two weeks stint as a volunteer, I headed back to my
country. My experience of volunteering in Russia is now a special memory of my
life which will be cherished and remembered forever.
