The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup India 2017 on Monday launched its volunteer programme.

The programme aims to reach out to people over 18 years, from a variety of backgrounds and involve them in the World Cup.

Speaking about the launch, Chairman of the LOC, Praful Patel said: "This is an opportunity for all our countrymen to be involved in the tournament which will be a historic event for India."

"Volunteers play an extremely important role in every FIFA tournament and they will play a central role in India 2017, bringing all Indians together in various capacities to make this event a huge success. I am confident that the volunteer programme will leave a lasting legacy of a new and more vibrant sporting culture in India."
 

Tournament Director of the LOC, Javier Ceppi added: "The interest that the FIFA World Cup ' title='U-17 World Cup '>U-17 World Cup India 2017 has generated so far among Indians is unprecedented."

"Through different sources, we have already received thousands of applications to be a part of the World Cup, which we can now channel through the volunteer's programme to make sure that everyone who wants to be involved in this historic event gets a chance to apply."