After the 2018 World Cup ended with an unforgettable final, all eyes are turning to the next international football contest: the Asian Cup 2019.
The world’s second-oldest continental contest will descend on the UAE in just six months’ time and you have the chance to become part of history.
A programme to recruit 100 community ambassadors has been rolled out today by the Local Organizing Committee – and you are invited to sign-up.
The hunt for enthusiastic volunteers – known as Playmakers after the important midfield role of creative midfielders – will extend to expats from each of the 24 competing nations who are currently living in the UAE.
Amongst the first Playmakers to be recruited are: Emirati ex-professional footballer Ahmed Al Balooshi, Jessica Cullen, a prodigious 15-year-old Australian footballer and Japanese superfan Shinya Nakamura.
The 100-strong group will share the tournament’s vision of “Bringing Asia Together” and by doing so help to deliver the most accessible, connected and successful AFC Asian Cup in history.
More: Your essential guide to the Asian Cup 2019
Speaking on the launch of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Playmakers programme, His Excellency Aref Hamed Al Awani, tournament director of the Local Organizing Committee said: “Football is the game of the people and the heart of our tournament flows through the communities.
“That is why we want to reach out to the people of the UAE and provide an opportunity for the most patriotic fans of each nation to get involved in this unique sporting occasion.
“We have the chance to do something special, but we need those special individuals who can inspire and help connect others. Just like the players on the pitch, only when we are all truly connected can we make the plays which make history.
“The UAE is home to over 6 million people who are from the nations competing in the tournament. That’s who we want to reach through our Playmakers.
“By igniting the national pride that lives inside these fans every team can feel they’re playing at home. Every team can have a passionate 12th man.”
January 2019’s tournament will be the largest AFC Asian Cup in history, with 51 matches set to be played across 8 stadiums located in four cities across three Emirates.
The team are searching for ambassadors from five categories: political representatives, corporate representatives, prominent community representatives, schools represtenstives including faculty and students and footy heroes.
Fans who want to go beyond being spectators can register interest by contacting community@asiancup19.ae or visit www.the-afc.com.
