National Lottery operator Allwyn has been confirmed as the Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with just over six months remaining until the first medals are awarded.
More than 3,000 volunteers will play a central role when the Commonwealth Games return to Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August 2026. Through this partnership, Allwyn will support the delivery of a comprehensive training program designed to ensure volunteers are fully prepared to help stage a world-class celebration of sport and culture.
Allwyn is backing the volunteering program through its Social Value Fund, a £1 million annual fund that supports initiatives aligned with its commitment to operating The National Lottery in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. For Glasgow 2026, this investment will provide volunteers with access to a dedicated online learning portal alongside in-person training opportunities.
The training program will equip volunteers for a wide range of roles, including event and venue operations, transport services, media support, content creation, athlete services and ceremonies. The aim is to ensure every volunteer has the skills and confidence needed to deliver a high-quality Games experience for athletes, spectators and communities across Scotland.
As part of the partnership, Allwyn will also enable its own colleagues to join the Glasgow 2026 volunteering team, extending its commitment to volunteering beyond financial support and contributing directly to the delivery of the Games. A post-event evaluation will be carried out to assess the program’s impact and help ensure the benefits of volunteering continue beyond the conclusion of the event.
The volunteer program is being supported by high-profile sporting figures, including Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete Eilidh Doyle and Scottish para-cyclist Fin Graham. Doyle, a three-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist and former Team Scotland flagbearer, will work as an ambassador to help champion the role of volunteers in bringing the Games to life.
Allwyn’s Social Value Fund has already supported major volunteering initiatives across the UK. This includes backing the 1,500-strong volunteer workforce at the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, where a significant proportion of participants were first-time volunteers, and supporting training and development opportunities for volunteers involved in Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture.
The partnership with Glasgow 2026 reinforces the importance of volunteers as a foundation of major sporting and cultural events, while aiming to create long-term social value and skills development that extends well beyond the Games themselves.
