University of Nottingham Sport appointed as Official Volunteering and Workforce Development Partner for World Masters Ultimate Club Championships 2026
University of Nottingham Sport has been confirmed as the Official Volunteering and Workforce Development Partner for the upcoming World Masters Ultimate Club Championships 2026 building on the University’s longstanding commitment to community engagement and leadership development through major sporting events.
Published 19 Jan 2026
Credit: @lkc.ultimate
The World Masters Ultimate Club Championship will take place at University of Nottingham and is anticipated to be one of the largest sporting events to come to Nottingham with over 3,500 players competing between 28 June – 4 July 2026.
This collaboration is part of a broader Major Events Volunteering Pilot Project supported by the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCCA) and Nottingham City Council, funded from the UK Government through UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and aims to engage local communities and provide opportunities to learn, develop and gain new skills.
Building on University of Nottingham Sport’s thriving student Volunteering and Leadership Academy whose volunteers delivered over 81,000 volunteer hours last year, a range of opportunities will be made available for all members of the community to be part of this World event. Roles will include team liaison, event operations and city host and visitor experience.
This championship will bring thousands of athletes and visitors to our city, boosting the local economy and showcasing the warmth, talent and ambition of the East Midlands. By placing volunteering and workforce development at the heart of this event, we are building a lasting legacy which strengthens communities, develops skills and helps ensure everyone can share in the benefits of hosting world-class events.
Claire Ward
Mayor of the East Midlands
UK Ultimate is thrilled to be returning to Nottingham to host The World Masters Ultimate Club Championships 2026. We are delighted to continue our long-term partnership with the University as the host venue, and excited to confirm that University of Nottingham Sport will be the Official Volunteering and Workforce Development Partner. This collaboration combines the global event with the University's world-class Leadership Academy, offering a unique platform for the local community to develop skills and experience, whilst engaging with Ultimate players from across the World. With over 3,500 athletes arriving in 2026, this partnership allows us to go beyond our standard approach to volunteer recruitment by utilising the University’s thriving Leadership Academy and its position within the local community. We are excited to offer these opportunities and bring Nottingham and Ultimate frisbee even closer together.
Si Hill
Chief Executive Officer, UK Ultimate
University of Nottingham are proud to be the host venue and official volunteer & workforce development partner for the World Masters Ultimate Club Championships. Community engagement is central to delivering major sports events, providing opportunities to inspire, engage and create a sense of belonging through sport and physical activity. Through our Leadership Academy, we support several major events each year by recruiting, training and deploying volunteers to ensure a seamless and positive experience. We look forward to leading on volunteering and workforce development for this championship, placing volunteers at the heart of one of the largest sporting events to come to Nottingham, while supporting personal and professional development and a lasting legacy for the city.
Christine Bailey
Assistant Director of Sport, University of Nottingham
To register your interest in volunteering at the World Ultimate Masters Club Championships, please click here.
University of Nottingham Sport and UK Ultimate will also be hosting a recruitment event on 14 and 15 February 2026 at David Ross Sports Village. All are welcome to attend the event to find out more about all the event volunteering roles. Details will be added here.
Notes to Editor:
This project is part-funded by East Midlands Combined County Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million of funding for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in 2025/26. This funding, distributed by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances in the region. The investment will focus on supporting communities and businesses, as well as developing skills for individuals.
For more information, please click here.