With six months to go today (10) until the European Athletics Championships, organisers of Birmingham 2026 have today announced a call for volunteer applications.
Members of the public are encouraged to apply to ‘Be a Champion’ this August at the European Athletics Championships first UK staging at Alexander Stadium from 10 to 16 August. Applications can be submitted online, and the deadline to apply is Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
The ‘Be a Champion’ volunteer campaign was launched today at Birmingham’s School Games event, held on the indoor track at the Utilita Arena.
Special guests and Olympic and World Championship medallists Lina and Laviai Nielsen attended to help announce that applications are now open.
Search for Birmingham 2026 champions begins
Lina and Laviai are set to compete at Birmingham 2026 this August. Both began their athletics journey as kit carriers for Olympic legends at London 2012, before going on to stand together on the Olympic podium as medallists in Paris.
Lina Nielsen, Team GB athlete and Olympic medallist, said: “We got into athletics because the London 2012 Olympics came to our borough, and we got the chance to volunteer.
"We were so lucky to be on the track as kit carriers and to feel the energy and see the athletes up close and personal, we decided then and there we wanted to pursue track and field.
Laviai Nielsen, Team GB athlete and Olympic medallist, added: "Volunteering was an emotional experience, feeling the impact of the games, we felt so proud in our uniforms and walking down our usual high street we were getting thanked by the public for volunteering."
"We definitely encourage anyone considering volunteering to apply and get involved for a once in a lifetime chance to gain valuable experience and have a lot of fun too!"
Volunteers are needed across the following areas:
Accessibility; Accreditation & Uniform; Broadcast & Event Presentation; Clean Athletics; Hospitality; Medal Ceremonies; Media Operations; Spectator Services; Sport & Competition; Team Services; Ticketing; Transport; Workforce.
Volunteers must have the Right to Work in the UK, a positive attitude, strong team spirit, and be available from 8-17 August 2026.
Further Opportunities to Be Announced
Those aged 14–17 will soon be able to apply to become Kit Carriers, via a separate application process launching later in the year.
Groups can volunteer together as part of the race walks and marathon events, with details to be released later this year.
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Cherry Alexander, Championship Director for Birmingham 2026, said: "We are delighted to launch our volunteering campaign today with elite athletes Lina and Laviai Nielsen, and a number of volunteers who will be working with us this summer whose experience is the perfect inspiration for people of all ages to apply, and to create their own memories this summer.
"While Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr is the host venue, numerous locations across the city and region will also host volunteer roles to support the event."
Esther Britten, Head of Events and External Affairs at UK Sport, said: "Major sporting events are brilliant catalysts for bringing people together, with volunteers at the heart of this by supporting the event to run smoothly to showcase many extraordinary moments. Birmingham 2026 is a chance for people to build confidence, make new connections, learn new skills and help create something the whole community can be proud of. We’d really encourage anyone interested to find out more and apply."
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: "Volunteers bring Birmingham’s biggest moments to life, and the experience gives just as much back. Getting involved means learning new skills, meeting new people, creating friendships, growing in confidence and being part of something truly special. It’s a chance to feel the buzz of a major sporting event as we host the first ever UK edition of the European Athletics Championships this summer while providing the warm Brummie welcome our city is famous for."