Entain’s European sportsbook brand bwin has announced an opportunity for fans to play on the pitch of the UEFA Europa League Final the day after the event.
This builds upon bwin’s multi-year partnership with the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League, functioning as a long-term sponsor of both tournaments.
The offer enables fans to attend the Europa League Final on 22 May at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and then play on the very same pitch the following day at the bwin Fans Final.
Additionally, lucky players have the opportunity to be coached by football royalty, with two unnamed football stars set to manage the teams, competing for the bwin Fans Final trophy.
For the first time, Entain is extending an invitation to UK champions through the Pitching In Volunteer Hub initiative to compete for the title of ‘Volunteer of the Season’ and earn a spot on the pitch.
One volunteer from each of the Trident Leagues (the Isthmian, Northern Premier, and Southern Leagues) will have the opportunity to participate in the Final.
Stuart Pearce, an Ambassador for Pitching In, said: “The bwin Fans Final is a dream come true for football enthusiasts and seeing it open up to all the volunteers and the Pitching In Volunteer Hub is a fantastic development.”
The Volunteer Hub was established for all 248 clubs within the Trident Leagues and serves as an online platform connecting football clubs with potential volunteers.
The Hub allows individuals to offer their services to clubs and register their skills, ranging from organising matchday activities to pitch maintenance, ground upkeep, or providing administrative and professional support.
Entain believes that the bwin Fans Final represents an opportunity to celebrate and show appreciation for those who have played a vital role in supporting their local football communities.
Pearce added: “It’s an opportunity to give back to local volunteers who are the lifeblood of grassroots football and do so much for their clubs and communities. We’re encouraging volunteers who love the beautiful game to apply and look forward to seeing the excitement unfold at the bwin Fans Final later this year.”
It has been a busy year so far for Entain, which is continuing to target international expansion in existing and emerging markets. Martin Lycka, Entain’s SVP of Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gaming, spoke to Insider Sport earlier this month about Brazil’s emerging sports marketing ecosystem.
