Minimum age for volunteers at Glasgow 2026 lowered to 16

The Glasgow Commonwealth Games is to lower the minimum age again for volunteers at next year’s event.

The volunteering age for Glasgow 2026 is being lowered to 16, just as it was when the city hosted the event in 2014. The usual minimum age for Commonwealth Games volunteers is 18.

Organisers are inviting people from across Scotland to apply for the role from next week.

Thousands of people were recruited as volunteers for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (PA). PA Media

Volunteers will assist in welcoming the 3,000 athletes, officials from 74 nations and territories, and half a million spectators to the city.

Glasgow 2026 chairman George Black said: “Glasgow’s greatest story has always been its people. They are the heartbeat of this vibrant, creative and wonderfully friendly city.

“In 2026, volunteers will once again welcome the world to Glasgow, and we are extremely grateful for their energy and enthusiasm as we work hard to stage a Commonwealth Games we can all be proud of.”

Thousands of volunteers are expected to be recruited to assist with the delivery of the Games.

The event will run from July 23 to August 2.

The last time the Games were held in Glasgow in 2014, the Commonwealth Games Federation described the event as “the stand-out Games in the history of the movement”.

Volunteer roles available will include welcoming and guiding spectators and accredited attendees, assisting sporting delegations, accompanying athletes to competition venues, and media operations.

Volunteers could also help transport accredited people, support timekeeping, participate in the distribution of equipment, and help sports teams on the ground.

Jade Gallagher, chief operating officer for Glasgow 2026, said: “We’re creating opportunities for a new generation of volunteers to join the incredible existing volunteering community in the city.

“This is a moment for Glaswegians who would have been just four years old during Glasgow 2014 to be part of shaping a new story for the Commonwealth Games.

“By lowering the volunteering age to 16, we’re giving more people the chance to gain valuable experience in events and sport, all whilst making incredible memories and life-long friends.

“Volunteers truly make the Games; they’re a friendly face in the crowd and vital behind-the-scenes support in our venues. We’re excited to be opening our application portal next week, proudly welcoming volunteers from all backgrounds and communities.

“We know Glasgow gets wholeheartedly behind its city and I have no doubt that first-time and returning volunteers will bring the personality and the party to the Games next summer. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity, follow us on social media to get ready for volunteering.”