Media Volunteering at EDF Scotstoun Stadium
Ever wondered how massive sporting events just pop up and disappear again? Or how many people it really takes to have a successful event? I got the true insight when I spent a week volunteering in the media operations department at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
I, along with a team of around 25 others, was based at EDF Scotstoun Stadium taking care of sections such as the mixed zone, media centre, photography positions, and media tribunes. Wanting to get into Sports Journalism, the week of volunteering taught me so much more than I ever thought and allowed me to make so many new connections with people I would have never met otherwise.
The week began with an induction day, getting a tour of the stadium, meeting our team managers and coordinators, and finding out which flapjacks in the breakroom were the tastiest. From then, I had four other evening shifts throughout the week, helping with something different entirely for each one.
What I found great about working at athletics and para-atheletics is that, unlike other sports, athletics doesn’t stop. Even though there may not be a race taking place, there’s shotput or javelin or long jump or high jump constantly taking place. This made my role even more chaotic, but I loved every second.
During my first shift, I was helping out at the media tribunes in the stands. This is where all journalists sit throughout events to get live action as and when it happens. My role here consisted of answering questions (mostly about the WiFi) and also redirecting people to other media sections around the stadium.
The next couple days looked a little different as I was part of our photography team. Photography positions were based all around the stadium from the start/finish line to the podium and seats right at the top of the stands. Our role in this team was to man one of these sections and make the photographers lives easier in any way we could. I managed to speak to a handful of people who excel in what they do and I got a feel for something I had never even thought about before.
With events such as the Commonwealth Games and working with journalists or photographers who have been in their profession for years on years, it is definitely daunting to throw yourself into that environment. What I found tricky to comprehend, at first, was the fact that nothing ever slows down. It’s go-go-go from the beginning and whilst those around you are willing to help 24/7, there is only so much they can do to support you, it’s important to keep up in order to get the most out of the experience. I found that going back, the morning after each shift, and mentally (or literally) noting down everything I learned and got out of the few hours really helped to prevent getting overwhelmed by the hectic shifts.
My favourite section by far, however, was the mixed zone. This is where all athletes must walk through after their event however none are required to stop. Journalists can wait in this zone for their athletes to come through and grab them for a chat if they are up for it. This is where you truly see all the highs and lows. I experienced everything, from watching an Australian athlete throw up in the bin next to me, to meeting an Indian shot putter, who, despite being disappointed with their result, still took the time to chat to me and even traded pin badges!
That was the thing about the games–everyone was so friendly. I never felt out of place, or uncomfortable, because everyone I met – whether that was other volunteers in my team, journalists, spectators, press attachés, athletes – everyone took the time to chat and support each other. Like me, there were many other people there looking to gain experience in the sports industry, and no one ever hesitated to help out. I made so many connections from people all over the world, who, I have no doubt I will keep in contact with.
I spoke to a few older volunteers and I lost count of how many people said to me “once you volunteer for the first time, you will get the bug.” And how true that was. Volunteering at my first sporting event was an incredible experience and provided me with the contacts, confidence and communication skills to thrive in my chosen career path. I would recommend volunteering/working an event like the Commonwealth Games to anyone wanting to work in any aspect of sport. It is a place where everyone knows everyone and anyone you speak to will be willing to help you out in any way that they can.
I found out about the games by searching for sports media working opportunities online. What I found most helpful was following accounts on LinkedIn who continuously post job/volunteering opportunities for sports journalists, including Raise the Roof Productions, and Progress Productions. From there I applied, picked up my uniform and accreditation, and before I knew it, I was standing feet away from some of the top athletes across the Commonwealth. It is a lot easier than I imagined to get into something like this, and for that reason I could not recommend it enough … and if that doesn’t persuade you, I got quite a few freebies from free socks to free train travel!
Some sporting event volunteer opportunities coming up include the Grand Départ GB 2027 as part of the Tour de France. They are looking for volunteers to support a variety of different aspects that make up the event. If you are looking to do something a little more out there, the LA 2028 Olympics are also looking for volunteers to work at the biggest sporting event of the year. So sign up, you never know what you could get out of it.
