ONE Merewether resident was quick on his heels to answer Football Federation Australia's call for volunteers for a landmark international sporting event.
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The federation announced last week it needed 1300 people to assist in the running of the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015 when it lands in the country in January.
The quadrennial event was first held in Hong Kong in 1956.
Next year, 16 countries will compete across five major Australian cities: Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra.
Newcastle will host four matches at Hunter Stadium between January 12 and 30.
It will need 260 volunteers to help run the matches.
Already on Newcastle's list of volunteers is Merewether's Ed Crawford.
Mr Crawford is the president of the Cooks Hill Junior Soccer Club and enjoys playing with the club's non-competitive over-35s team.
He said he was eager to volunteer for what he anticipated would be an amazing event.
"It will transform football in Newcastle and Australia," he said. "It'll be seen by billions of people around Asia and put us on the map. We'll reap the benefits long after it's finished, with new business and sporting connections."
Mr Crawford has volunteered for venue and host city operations.
His role will include ushering teams in and out of Hunter Stadium, arranging transport and liaising with the state government and public agencies.
Other volunteer roles include travel and accommodation services, sports presentation and ceremonies, and marketing and media.
■ To apply to volunteer, go to www.afcasiancup.com/volunteering.