Over 3,000 volunteers will be at the heart of the action next summer, when the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026. 

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting athletes during competition, welcoming spectators and media from around the world and helping to create a festival atmosphere as hundreds of thousands enjoy ten sports and six Para sports, in the city’s world-class venues.  

As the deadline approaches, Glasgow 2026 has released some pre-liminary data which show that 47% of volunteers applying are actively involved in volunteering within a sport or club, while a large percentage of applicants are new to volunteering.  

Glasgow 2026 is calling on people from all communities across Glasgow to apply, representing the city’s rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds. The current applicant pool highlights this diversity, with one in four applicants aged 16–25, and the oldest applicant so far being 89 years of age. 

The legacy of Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022 is reflected in that 1 in 7 applicants volunteered either in Birmingham 2022 or Glasgow 2014. 

All shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview between November 2025 and January 2026, with successful volunteers will be notified with a role offer from February 2026, with training beginning in April 2026. 

George Black CBE, Chair of Glasgow 2026 said: “With two weeks left to apply, this is the last chance for residents to be part of a truly special event. Volunteers play a key role in the Games, and I have no doubt that our Games volunteers next year will bring the famous Glaswegian energy and warm welcome to athletes and visitors from all over the globe.   

“The quality and volume of applications received to date has been inspiring and we’re calling on everyone across Glasgow to come and get involved – together, let’s welcome the world and show there is no better city than Glasgow to host these Games next summer.”.” 

Diane McLeod, Director of Workforce and Games Services at Glasgow 2026, said: “We’ve seen a brilliant response so far, with applications coming in from every corner of the city, Scotland and beyond. The strength and diversity of applicants is truly inspiring from first-time volunteers to those who supported previous Games. It’s clear that people are excited to be part of something special, and we can’t wait to see the final wave of applicants before the portal closes.” 

Former volunteer Sarah Quinn who was a proud Clydesider back in 2014, speaks highly about her time as volunteer saying: “I met and volunteered with so many amazing people from all over the world, from all different backgrounds and of all ages which gave me the opportunity to learn about different cultures and backgrounds which was just such a unique experience.  

“It was such a proud time for Glasgow in 2014 when the city really did come together and I'm sure that'll be the exact same in 2026.”  

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Apply now before the portal closes at xxx on Friday 14 November 2025. Start your application today at the Glasgow 2026 website glasgow2026.com/get-involved/volunteering