As many as 29,358 football enthusiasts between the age of 18 and 72 submitted their applications by the closing of the registration process for the volunteer programme of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017. The registration process ended on May 15.
This is the highest registration received for a FIFA U-17 World Cup, an official release stated.
Interest from international applicants was equally immense, with the Local Organising Committee receiving applications from 84 countries in total.
New Delhi drove the way with 11.83% of the total registrations. Kochi was the clear winner for city of choice with 38.27%, followed by Delhi and Mumbai with 16.95% and 13.69% respectively.
Thanking everyone for the overwhelming response, president at All India Football Federation and chairman LOC, Praful Patel said, “The response to the volunteer programme has been so heartening to see… I thank everyone who has registered to be a volunteer for this landmark moment in Indian football. With the same enthusiasm and support of these volunteers, we are confident of making this a tournament worth remembering for everyone,” he said.
The registration process is now closed and over the next six weeks, the LOC will be conducting interviews with applicants who will be shortlisted based on the application submitted.
Speaking about the selection process, tournament director Javier Ceppi added, “The quantity, as well as the quality of the applications received, has been remarkable. The competition will be tough and I urge all the shortlisted applicants to put their best foot forward during the interviews.”
Approximately 1,500 volunteers will be involved in hosting the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 across the six host cities. The tournament begins on October 6.
