More than 120 children from local schools have signed up to assume voluntary roles at this month’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship – running from 17th to 20th January at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Aged 15 and upwards, a small army of students from Abu Dhabi’s American Community School, Al Raha International School and Al Yasmina School form part of a 400-strong dedicated volunteer group that will get inside the championship ropes working as marshals, stewards, walking scoreboard holders and leaderboard operators.

With the National Course field featuring golf giants including world number one Rory McIlroy, 14-time Major winner Tiger Woods, top ten players Jason Dufner and Justin Rose, as well as reigning Open Championship holder Ernie Els, interest in the volunteer programme has grown beyond recognition since being rolled out for the first tournament in 2006.

“The schools’ volunteer programme is very beneficial to both the championship and the students,” said Jean Iggo, volunteer co-ordinator. “A lot of students get involved for their community hours and many of them return each year of their own accord.

“Teamwork is essential to the volunteer role and students always leave the Championship having gained valuable life experience and some with the ambition to have their name on a leaderboard in the future.”

“The Championship is my favourite event in Abu Dhabi,” said Emilio Martin de Bustamante, a student at the American Community School. “I’ve been a volunteer for the past three years. I love taking part and helping out wherever I can. Watching Tiger Woods last year was really inspiring and motivating for me to play even more.

“Also, the fact that younger players like Matteo Manassero are playing at such a high level shows us that anything is possible with the right amount of training. This year I will be carrying a score board, so I get to walk around with the players. I can’t wait!”