The deadline for applications for the UEFA EURO 2012 volunteer programme has been extended until 16 October, despite receiving a UEFA European Championship record 19,000 submissions in the initial recruitment drive.

The Local Organising Committees in Poland and Ukraine have decided to prolong the application deadline to offer everyone the opportunity to "join the action" and enter the selection process to be part of the historic final tournament.

Since 14 June applications have been submitted from 134 countries, with almost 90% from Ukrainian and Polish citizens eager to play their part next summer. Significant numbers from Germany, Russia and Spain have also offered their services.

Around 6,000 volunteers will support UEFA's full-time staff in 20 areas of operation and will work at official UEFA EURO 2012 sites, such as stadiums, airports and hotels. Some of the areas where positions are still available include accreditation, event transport, safety and security and event logistics.

"The idea of volunteering is part of every big sporting event," said Polish tournament director Adam Olkowicz. "We are inviting people who want to join us to share the passion and work together on this unique occasion. We don't pay attention to the age or background of the candidates: we want people who are truly motivated and want to be a part of the team."

Ukrainian counterpart Markiyan Lubkivskiy added: "I am glad that doubts concerning the success of the volunteer programme were never realised. Moreover, Ukraine and Poland have set an all-time application record of 19,000 applications over the first three months, twice as many as for the same period during the last tournament in Austria and Switzerland."

Apart from motivation, reliability and team spirit, successful candidates must be at least 18 on 1 March 2012 and speak fluent English. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews in all eight host cities between September and November, and notified whether or not they have been successful by the end of December.

(source)