Allwyn confirmed as volunteer partner for Glasgow 2026 Games

Allwyn UK has been confirmed as the Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, marking a significant step in preparations for one of Scotland’s most prominent international sporting events. The announcement was made as organisers move into an advanced phase of planning ahead of the Games, which are scheduled to take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

Volunteers are widely regarded as a cornerstone of major multi sport events, providing essential operational and logistical support while also acting as ambassadors for the host city. The partnership with Allwyn is designed to ensure that the volunteer workforce is equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to deliver a successful Games experience for athletes, officials and spectators alike.

Partnership to enhance volunteer training and development

Under the partnership, Allwyn will support the training and development of more than 3,000 volunteers who will contribute across a wide range of functions during the Commonwealth Games. Funding for the programme is being provided through Allwyn’s Social Value Fund, an annual initiative that allocates £1 million to projects supporting community, cultural and volunteering activities connected to The National Lottery’s wider social impact.

The volunteer training programme will follow a blended learning model, combining online education with in person sessions. This structure is intended to provide both theoretical understanding and practical preparation, allowing volunteers to familiarise themselves with the operational demands of a large scale international sporting event.

Volunteers will be trained for roles including venue and event support, transport coordination, media services, athlete assistance, content creation and ceremonial activities. By offering structured and comprehensive preparation, organisers aim to ensure consistency, professionalism and high service standards throughout the Games.

Allwyn’s broader contribution and corporate engagement

Beyond financial support, Allwyn has positioned the partnership as part of its broader commitment to social value and community engagement. The company has encouraged its own employees to participate as volunteers, reinforcing the connection between corporate responsibility and direct community involvement.

This internal engagement is intended to strengthen Allwyn’s contribution to the Games while also promoting volunteering as a meaningful and rewarding activity. By integrating staff participation with the wider volunteer programme, the partnership seeks to create a shared sense of purpose and collective ownership of the event’s success.

The programme also includes a post Games evaluation process. This assessment will examine the effectiveness of the training and the longer term benefits for volunteers, with a focus on ensuring that skills and experience gained during the Commonwealth Games can be applied beyond the event itself.

Public interest and volunteer demand

Glasgow 2026 organisers have reported strong public interest in volunteering opportunities, with thousands of applications received during the recruitment phase. This level of engagement reflects both enthusiasm for the Commonwealth Games and a broader appetite for civic participation in major events.

Volunteers are expected to come from a diverse range of backgrounds, contributing local knowledge, professional expertise and personal commitment. Their presence will be central to the daily operations of the Games, supporting competition venues, athlete services and public facing activities across the host city.

Organisers have emphasised that volunteer readiness is a critical factor in delivering a smooth and positive Games experience. The partnership with Allwyn is therefore seen as an important enhancement to overall operational planning.

Ambassadorial support from leading athletes

Former Commonwealth Games athlete Eilidh Doyle has been appointed as an ambassador for the volunteering campaign. Doyle is a three time Commonwealth silver medallist and served as Team Scotland’s flagbearer at the 2018 Gold Coast Games. Her role is to help highlight the importance of volunteers and to promote awareness of the contribution they make to the success of major sporting events.

Doyle’s involvement brings credibility and visibility to the programme while reinforcing the connection between elite sport and community participation. Her experience as an athlete provides valuable insight into the behind the scenes efforts required to deliver world class competitions.

Scottish para cyclist Fin Graham also attended the partnership launch, reflecting the inclusive and representative approach being taken toward the Games and their volunteer workforce.

Building a lasting legacy beyond the Games

Allwyn’s Social Value Fund has previously supported volunteering initiatives linked to other major events, reinforcing a consistent approach to community investment. These projects have focused on widening access to volunteering opportunities and encouraging participation among first time volunteers.

The Glasgow 2026 programme is designed not only to meet the immediate needs of the Games but also to contribute to longer term skills development. Organisers have highlighted the importance of ensuring that volunteers leave with transferable experience that can benefit future employment, education or community involvement.

This legacy driven approach aligns with broader objectives associated with hosting major international events, where social impact and community benefit are increasingly viewed as core measures of success.

Organising a major international sporting event

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a broad programme of sports and Para sports delivered across multiple venues within the city. Volunteers will support operations at competition sites, training facilities and non sporting locations such as transport hubs and media centres.

The scale and complexity of the Games require careful coordination and a highly prepared workforce. The partnership between Allwyn and the Games organisers reflects a shared focus on professionalism, inclusion and operational excellence.

By investing in volunteer learning and development, the organisers aim to strengthen delivery standards while also enhancing the overall experience for those who choose to give their time in support of the event.

Conclusion

The appointment of Allwyn as the Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games represents a strategic investment in people, skills and community engagement. Through targeted funding, structured training and ambassadorial support, the partnership is designed to prepare more than 3,000 volunteers for roles that are essential to the success of the Games.

Beyond the immediate delivery of the event, the initiative places strong emphasis on legacy, ensuring that volunteers gain lasting benefits from their involvement. As Glasgow prepares to welcome the Commonwealth once again, the collaboration between organisers and Allwyn underscores the central role that well trained volunteers play in delivering a world class sporting experience and creating enduring social value.

FAQs

What is Allwyn’s role in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games volunteer programme?
Allwyn has been appointed as the Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner, supporting the training and preparation of more than 3,000 volunteers.

When will the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games take place?
The Games will be held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026.

How is the volunteer training programme funded?
The programme is funded through Allwyn’s Social Value Fund, which supports community and volunteering initiatives.

What types of roles will volunteers perform?
Volunteers will support venue operations, transport services, media activities, athlete assistance and ceremonial functions.

Are Allwyn employees involved in the volunteer programme?
Yes, Allwyn has encouraged its employees to participate as volunteers as part of its community engagement strategy.

Why is volunteer training important for the Games?
Training ensures that volunteers are prepared, confident and capable of supporting the complex operations of a major international sporting event.

Who is Eilidh Doyle and why is she involved?
Eilidh Doyle is a former Commonwealth Games athlete who has been appointed as an ambassador to promote the volunteer programme.

Will there be an evaluation after the Games?
Yes, a post Games evaluation will assess the impact of the training and the longer term benefits for volunteers.

How many volunteers are expected to support the Games?
More than 3,000 volunteers are expected to take part across various roles.

What legacy is expected from the volunteer programme?
The programme aims to leave volunteers with transferable skills and experience that extend beyond the Commonwealth Games.