At a time when there is a lack of summer jobs and other first opportunities for young people to enter the job market, the volunteer work of Gothia Cup plays an important role. Every year, around 2,000 individuals in the Gothenburg region receive a volunteer assignment where they are compensated for their engagement. And above all, they gain something that many young people desire: experience, responsibility, and a first credential on their CV.

Community is what recurs
When speaking with the volunteers, the responses rarely focus on the actual tasks. Instead, it is the people, the community, and the feeling of being part of something greater that come up time and time again.

For Annabel Malmberg and Leah Bumba, who work as face painters at Heden, meeting people is the absolute best part.

– You get to meet a lot of people. It’s a wonderful community, and you learn to be social and talk to many different individuals. It’s something that will be useful later on, they share.

For Miranda Lindroth Shah, who works as a parking attendant, the assignment is about combining service with responsibility.

– I help people find their way and ensure that only those with permits can enter the parking lot. It’s fun to meet new people and to be able to help out.

Saif Ali also emphasizes personal development. As part of the Security team, he feels that the assignment provides so much more than just experience.

– I do this to make a difference. At the same time, I make new contacts and get a first glimpse into adult life.

At Torslandaskolan, Julia Henrikson works in the cafeteria, where hundreds of players pass through every day.

– I wash dishes and make sure the cafeteria is clean and nice. The best part is meeting people from many different countries. You learn a lot about other cultures and gain an experience that you carry with you into your professional life.

Being a volunteer during Gothia Cup is about much more than just addressing practical tasks during a week in July. It encompasses learning to cooperate, communicate with people, take responsibility, and solve problems together with others—experiences that are equally valuable whether the next step is studies or working life.

A memory for life – and the beginning of something new

For most, Gothia Cup is associated with football, joy, and international meetings. For the volunteers, it is also an opportunity to grow as individuals. During an intense week, friendships, networks, and experiences are created that many carry long after the last final has been played.

Perhaps that is precisely why so many return year after year. For some, the week of volunteering marks the beginning of ongoing involvement in events and community life. For others, it is their first step into working life. Regardless, they are all invaluable parts of Gothia Cup—and evidence that a volunteer assignment can be the start of something much bigger.