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PISTE-SIDE VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS REOPEN: PARA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026

Piste-side volunteer applications have re-opened for the 2026 Para Fencing European Championships in Cardiff, October 6-11th! Applications close 14th September.

The organising team for the 2026 Para Fencing European Championships in Cardiff is excited to welcome new and existing volunteers, who will all play an integral part in delivering a world-class experience for athletes, support staff, officials, and spectators.

Volunteer applications have re-opened, and we are specifically looking for piste-side assistants on Tuesday (6th), Wednesday (7th), Thursday (8th), and Friday (9th).

No experience or knowledge of fencing required. All volunteers will be provided with training prior to the event, giving you the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil the various roles throughout the competition.

We are committed to providing inclusive and accessible experiences for all volunteers, and we encourage everyone to sign up. If you need any support with completing the form or have any questions for the team, please email cardiff2026@britishfencing.com

More info about piste side assistance (manual work required):

Piste-side assistance:

Right in the thick of the action, you will be there with front row seats to the matches, providing constant assistance to fencers and referees when required. This role requires manual work, but is very rewarding and a great way to see up close what happens at the events. This role includes moving the metal frames, helping the referee set distance, clamping athlete chairs onto the frame, assisting athletes with strapping wheelchairs to frames where required, assisting athletes out of the frame where required, and being a help point for fencers and referees.

Pod Leader:

As a pod leader, you will be responsible for managing a ‘pod’ of four fencing pistes to ensure smooth transitions into breaks and troubleshooting any problems, as well as supporting the piste-side team when required.

Applications close 14th September 2026.

Hear from Lois, part of the team at the Cardiff 2024 Wheelchair Fencing World Cup, about how much she enjoyed volunteering at her first fencing event:

When and Where

  • Volunteers will be located in various locations at the Sport Wales National Centre, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, CF11 9SW.
  • Volunteers will be given the option to sign up for am or pm shifts, or full day shifts. There are opportunities to volunteer on every day from the 6th-11th October during the action, with further opportunities to get involved during set up days before the event.
  • Volunteers should expect to undertake a minimum of 6.5 hour shifts during this time. If you need shorter or more flexible shift patterns, please let us know via cardiff2026@britishfencing.com
  • Once you have completed the form, we will contact you with further information on the training dates, which will take place in October 2026 (TBC).

Expected Schedule TO BE CONFIRMED

Friday 2nd October – This will be a set-up day for the event.

Saturday 3rd October – This will be a set-up day for the event.

Sunday 4th October – This will be a set-up day for the event.

Monday 5th October – This will be a set-up day for the event.

Tuesday 6th October –First day of competition. All roles listed below will be in operation.

Wednesday 7th October –Second day of competition. All roles listed below will be in operation.

Thursday 8th October – Third day of competition. All roles listed below will be in operation.

Friday 9th October – Fourth day of competition. All roles listed below will be in operation.

Saturday 10th October – Fifth day of competition. All roles listed below will be in operation.

Sunday 11th October – Sixth and last day of competition. All roles listed below will be in operation.

Volunteer Roles

There are various roles on offer throughout the event. Training will be offered prior to the event to ensure you have the knowledge and information needed to fulfil these roles, which have been categorised as followed:

Piste side assistance (Manual work is required)

  • Piste side assistance 
    Right in the thick of the action, you will be there with front row seats to the matches, providing constant assistance to fencers and referees when required. This role requires manual work, but is very rewarding and a great way to see up close-up what happens at the events. This role includes moving the metal frames, helping the referee set distance, clamping athlete chairs onto the frame, assisting athletes with strapping wheelchairs to frames where required, assisting athletes out of the frame where required and being a help point for fencers and referees.
  • Pod Leader
    As a pod leader you will be responsible for managing a ‘pod’ of 4 fencing pistes to ensure smooth transitions into breaks and troubleshooting any problems, as well as supporting the piste side team when required.

Age 

We have set the minimum age for this event as 16 years old.

Accommodation and Places to Stay

If you’re not local to Cardiff and looking for somewhere to stay during your time volunteering, we recommend visiting the ‘Places to Stay‘ section of Visit Cardiff website, where you will find a variety of place to stay.

SIGN UP HERE

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Cardiff!