More than 900 potential volunteers will this week be contacted to offer them a volunteering role at next year’s Solheim Cup, which is taking place at Gleneagles from September 9-15.
In excess of 1,900 applications have been received from 27 countries worldwide for volunteer positions through the official portal. Now, the first tranche of notifications will be issued offering more than 900 volunteers the opportunity to help welcome 100,000 people to the Perthshire venue next Autumn.
Liz Taylor, Head Volunteer for the 2019 Solheim Cup, said: “The response has been amazing, both locally and internationally. I feel like the response we’ve had is representative of the energy and passion that is running through the whole event and as the event draws closer and we grow our team, this can only escalate. I would urge anyone who applied to be a volunteer to keep an eye on the email they used during the application process and if they have been offered a position to respond to use as soon as possible.”
When the programme launched, it stated the goal of encouraging women and young people in particular to volunteer for the 2019 Solheim Cup. For the first time, the number of women applicants has outweighed the men, with 54% of women applying for the range of volunteer positions available. The special focus on attracting a younger volunteer has also delivered successfully, with almost 20% of those applying aged 30 and under. Local interest has been strong, with 83% of applicants from the UK. Of the 17% of overseas applications, the United States makes up the biggest number, making up 6% of the overall number of applicants.
The Scottish Government’s Sport Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “It is great to see that the 2019 Solheim Cup Volunteer Programme has proven so popular, especially among women and young people. It’s a fantastic chance for volunteers to be part of something special as well as an opportunity to enhance their skills. With a broad spectrum of positions available, this opportunity will serve them well in their future endeavours.”
A Volunteer Support fund is in place to help the volunteers who needed extra help to participate in the volunteer experience. Volunteers who have not been successful in the first wave of acceptances will be placed on a reserve list with further opportunities expected down the line.