From Computer to Football: Argentina’s Euro 2024 Volunteer

LEIPZIG (Special Envoy) – There were only a few minutes left before the start of the match, and in the midst of the hustle and bustle and the rush of fans to get their place or buy last-minute drinks, it was clear “Buenos” I heard Iris. At that moment There was eye contact and a chance meeting between two of his compatriots in the middle Euro 2024.

Ariel Gwenesh acts naturally, as if he has extensive experience as a volunteer at large events. In talking with ESPN.com This theory was demolished and it became clear how the “passion for football” led him to leave computers for a while.

– How did you become a volunteer?

My wife told me they were asking people to work for the European Cup and when I saw the picture, I thought it was to get your information. One day, I was working at home, I applied, they called me and interviewed me. They asked me: Why do you want to do that? ‘Because I’m Argentine, I love football.I answered them.

– Is this your first experience in a tournament with these characteristics?

You said this in an interview with UEFA officials: “I work with the computer all day, I’m tired, I want to do something else.” Obviously I take vacations to be here.I come back tomorrow at eight o’clock in the morning and start again with my usual work.

Ariel works in Frankfurt and travels to Leipzig to attend matches. “There are different tasks to do, many combinations. It’s well organized. We have a protocol on how to act when something happens, who to contact, things to do, how to recommend people… but the most important thing in these places is always good vibes, smiles and all. He is happy”“He says as he tells some supporters where to sit.

he Boca Juniors fanWhich is described as “Proud Argentinian“, is almost part of the program 46 thousand volunteersThey range in age from 18 to 89 years, from 152 different countries. They are asked to speak more than one language, to have enough time and to always have “positive energy”.

In addition to the possibility of gaining experience in this type of event and expanding their network of contacts, volunteers receive training courses and receive a uniform, free meals, a special gift, and a certificate upon the end of the event. Their main tasks include assistance with arrival, accreditation, ticketing, anti-doping control, press areas, hospitality, fan zone, among others.

– How did you get to Germany?

I left Argentina before 2001 and first lived for 20 years in England. There I met my German wife and from London we came here because it was time for a change. I enjoy having my daughters’ grandparents around.

-Do you watch European football?

In London I followed Chelsea more because of the friends who took them to the stadium. It’s very easy to come into the field here, it’s very familiar and very interesting. I live a 10-minute walk from the stadium, which is convenient. In February I was visiting Buenos Aires and luckily they got me tickets to La Bombonera. There is another tension. Here is more joy.

In a family consisting of a German mother and an Argentine father, how is it to live with football with your daughters?

The 2014 Brazil final was terrible. I remember going out and screaming about Higuain’s disallowed goal, and then they shouted at me about Götze’s goal. This World Cup was different because it was winter, very dark and cold. Having the opportunity to stay home to watch football was great.

Although he has spent the last two decades on the Old Continent, Ariel does not lose his Argentine identity. “They always meet in the park to have a barbecue and when I pass by in my Boca shirt, some welcome me and others not so much (laughs).”.

It’s time to stop talking. The start of the game is approaching and the running is intensifying. Without an emergency, Ariel Goynish’s smile doesn’t fade from his face. The computer can wait, now it’s time to have fun.