The Local Organising Committee for the 2017 Fifa Club World Cup has launched its volunteer programme to the general public, a press release said. The programme will give over 1,000 volunteers the opportunity to be part of the global football showpiece event, which will take place across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain from December 6 to December 16.

The Fifa Club World Cup volunteer programme, one of the UAE's biggest volunteering initiatives to date, is now live on www.volunteers.ae and the LOC is calling on aspiring volunteers from all walks of life - irrespective of age, gender, nationality or ability - to apply wherever they are in the world.

The LOC is committed to support and nurture budding talents by offering potential volunteers the unique experience of getting involved in the most thrilling club football tournament in the world.

Working with schools, colleges, universities and football academies, the LOC's mission is to empower communities to learn, get inspired and get active through volunteering at sporting events such as the Fifa Club World Cup 2017.

"Sport has a huge positive impact on individuals and society as whole. This is a unique opportunity for football enthusiasts across the world to gain invaluable skills and experience in the operations of a live sports event," said Aref Al Awani, Tournament Director of the LOC for the Fifa Club World Cup.

"Volunteers are at the heart of the tournament and are key to the success of the event. I am optimistic that the programme will help participants develop their skills, meet like-minded people and understand how the world's biggest tournaments are organised."

Four teams have already qualified for this year's edition of the competition: Auckland City FC of New Zealand (OFC Champions League winners), CF Pachuca of Mexico (CONCACAF Champions League winners), Real Madrid of Spain (Uefa Champions League winners) and UAE's host team and Arabian Gulf League winners, Al Jazira.

The winners of this year's AFC Champions League, Copa Libertadores and CAF Champions League will be determined next month.

Source: Khaleej Times