Preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup: Volunteer training and operational trials
In a move reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to delivering exceptional editions of continental tournaments, the local organizing committee for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia has intensified its on-the-ground and operational efforts. These initiatives are part of the programs to prepare volunteers for the 2026 AFC U-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia, which serves as a crucial test and practical trial for the major event in Asia in 2027.
The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah are witnessing extensive sporting and organizational activity as the Kingdom hosts the seventh edition of the tournament, with the participation of 16 Asian national teams from January 6 to 24. This hosting is not limited to the competitive aspect alone, but represents part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at confirming the Kingdom's leadership in hosting major sporting events, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which identifies the sports sector as one of the pillars of economic diversification and improving quality of life.
Field training and realistic simulations
The four tournament venues witnessed intensive activity to enhance operational readiness. Training sessions were held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium and Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh, as well as Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City Stadium and the King Abdullah Sports City auxiliary stadium in Jeddah. These sessions aimed to familiarize volunteers with the actual work environment and to implement scenarios simulating match days, following their successful completion of general and specialized theoretical training programs.
More than 600 volunteers participated in these field exercises, which focused on enabling them to understand their precise roles, familiarize themselves with movement patterns within the facilities, and learn effective coordination mechanisms between the various operational teams. The tours included a comprehensive overview of fan zones, media team locations, and logistics areas, ensuring smooth operations and efficient performance during official competitions.
The "Volunteer Passport" initiative and legacy building
In its efforts to promote and sustain a culture of volunteerism, the Local Organizing Committee has adopted an innovative program called the "Volunteer Passport." This document is awarded to every participant in the tournaments overseen by the committee, with their participation documented by a special stamp upon completion of each task. This initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging and loyalty, and to motivate young men and women to build a distinguished volunteer record that extends until the conclusion of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, thus contributing to the development of a national database of trained professionals.
The strategic importance of the event
The AFC U-23 Asian Cup is of paramount importance, serving as a key test of organizational and human resource readiness ahead of the larger event in 2027. Through these tournaments, the Kingdom is honing the skills of its young national talent in managing international events, thus enhancing Saudi Arabia's position as a global destination for sports and tourism. The success of these personnel in managing operational processes is a vital indicator of the Kingdom's ability to host multi-million-person events efficiently and effectively, reflecting the tremendous development in sports and administrative infrastructure in recent years.
