While a majority of soccer fans followed the FIFA World Cup on TV, some had the chance to be part of the action in person. Newtown's Jeanne Carney was right in the thick of things as a volunteer with the World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. this summer.

"As a host ambassador, my volunteer job was to greet and assist fans. Whether they were looking for their gate assignments, [to] take photos, Fan Fast locations, VIP, bathrooms, media, or required physical assistance, I was there to help," Carney said.

Carney attended six of the eight World Cup Games at MetLife, including the final match between Spain and Argentina. Although her role did not allow access to see any games inside the stadium, volunteers did get to watch the action on large screens outside the stadium.

"The success of the World Cup would not be complete without the contribution of every volunteer who gave their time, resources, energy, and personal sacrifice to ensure that footballers, fans, officials, and visitors from around the world had a welcoming and memorable experience," she added. "I am very gratitude to all the FIFA staff members who accommodated us daily with meals, drinks, and support throughout the tournament."

This all began a year ago (August 2025) with the FIFA application process — really many years ago when Carney and other soccer parents first connected. "I have to give my friend Anne Martin credit for inspiring me to apply for this adventure," Carney said.

"Anne and I are part of a group of Newtown friends called 'Soccer Moms.' The other members are Torrie Laros, Cindy Carlson, and Aran O’Leary. We all became fast friends 18 years ago when our then 10-year-old sons tried out and made the Newtown 10-year-old travel team. We have been friends ever since," Carney said.

In August of 2025 a few of these soccer moms filled out the online FIFA Volunteer applications. In October, Carney and Martin were asked to go to New York City for face-to-face interviews with FIFA personnel. "It was so much fun and so exciting," Carney said.

They waited until January 2026 to hear back, at which time Carney accepted her role with the World Cup. Martin and the rest of the soccer moms encouraged Carney to continue the journey. "My four children, all former Newtown Soccer players, encouraged me as well," she said.

After a background check Carney traveled back to New York City several times, completed many hours of online learning, and attended a few remote meetings. Then she went back into the city to pick up her FIFA uniform and lots of gear. Martin and her son Scott (one of those U10 players years ago) got tickets and saw a great quarterfinal game in person in Boston.

"Personally, it has been a great privilege to be part of this history. It was an honor to serve alongside such an exceptional group of volunteers. I am proud to have worked with people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and professional backgrounds across the United States — united by service, teamwork, and the love of soccer," Carney said. "This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me — one I will remember for the rest of my life."

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Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.