More than 400 volunteers will play an essential role in delivering the World Floorball Championships (WFC) in Tampere. Eija Lehtosalo and Anu Maijala are great examples of how volunteering at sporting events can grow into a lifelong passion.
Major sporting events simply would not happen without volunteers. Much of the work that goes on behind the scenes often remains invisible to spectators.
Alongside event professionals, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their free time and holidays to making the tournament a success—and many say they receive even more than they give.
Some volunteers work in roles similar to their everyday professions, while others enjoy trying something completely different. In return, they gain unforgettable memories, valuable experience and often lifelong friendships. At its best, volunteering is all about community, with everyone working towards the same goal: creating an outstanding championship experience for both players and fans.
Meet Eija Lehtosalo
As Volunteer Manager for the World Floorball Championships, Eija Lehtosalo is responsible for coordinating volunteers and managing accreditation. She is also expected to lead the tournament’s Team Services operation during the championships.
Lehtosalo has built extensive experience as a volunteer at major events in ice hockey, volleyball, athletics and even winter swimming competitions. Her family’s involvement with OFBC (Oulun Floorball Club) eventually brought her into the world of floorball.
– Floorball has become the sport closest to my heart. It’s the one I’ve followed the most.
Volunteering is also part of Lehtosalo’s everyday life. She serves as a crisis helpline volunteer for MIELI Mental Health Finland and has also volunteered as a church steward in Oulu. Alongside her volunteer work, she is completing her studies in Health and Social Care Management.
– I enjoy being around people, listening to them, and I think that’s one of my strengths.
The World Floorball Championships offer volunteers a wide range of roles, including media operations, team services, venue operations, construction and transport. For Lehtosalo, accreditation has become her favourite assignment.
– Accreditation is the participants’ very first encounter with the event. It makes a huge difference how we welcome people, whether they’re players, media representatives or event staff. I enjoy the fast pace and rhythm of the work. A lot is prepared well in advance, which means that later on there’s also time to enjoy the championships.
Preparations begin long before the opening match, including producing accreditation photos and credentials for volunteers and participants. Careful planning ensures everything runs smoothly once the tournament begins.
For anyone considering volunteering, Lehtosalo has a simple message:
– Absolutely go for it! You don’t need any previous experience. Everything is explained on site, and you’ll learn as you go.
Meet Anu Maijala
Anu Maijala has also volunteered at numerous major sporting events, gradually taking on more responsibility with every tournament.
A passionate ice hockey fan, she began her volunteer journey at the 2022 Ice Hockey World Championship in Tampere as a member of the media operations team. Just one year later, she returned as the team’s supervisor.
Basketball soon followed, including the FIBA U18 European Championship and EuroBasket 2025. Her enthusiasm for the sport even inspired her to start playing basketball herself. Floorball events, both women’s and men’s, introduced her to yet another sport, and her volunteer calendar already includes figure skating and women’s basketball events next year.
– I’ve noticed that no matter the sport, you often meet the same volunteers. It’s always nice to arrive at a new event and see familiar faces.
Every sport has its own unique characteristics, and every event brings new experiences.
– You always learn something from every championship.
Outside the sporting world, Maijala works as a Customer Service Team Leader for a logistics company. It is perhaps no surprise that she has naturally taken on leadership roles as a volunteer as well.
– I suppose I’m naturally someone who likes to take care of people, so leading a team suits me well.
Like Lehtosalo, she warmly encourages new volunteers to get involved.
– Don’t hesitate – just join us! You’ll make new friends, and for some people the networking opportunities can even be valuable professionally.
A new application round for volunteers at the World Floorball Championships will open in early autumn.
Read also: Building the World Floorball Championships Together – Hanne Nyrönen Keeps Everything Moving
Text: Susanna Ruusu
Photos: Juha Hautakangas