Gothia World Youth Cup

[Processed Beats]

Morning all.

Just thought i'd drum up a bit of interest in something of a family achievement. My younger sister is currently taking part in a football tournament called the Gothia World Youth Cup, held in Gothenberg, Sweden annually as a grass roots sort of world cup tournament, allowing teams to experience grass roots football on a world stage and play teams from different countries naturally. The tournament's been held for a number of years now, for boys and girls aged between 11 and 19 i think, and notable stars to have previously played include the likes of Kieron Dyer, Julio Baptista and Xabi Alonso.

My sister is playing in a team representing Swindon Town, so again relevant to each and everyone on here. Their official name though is Swindon Town Football In The Community, because of the association's heavy involvment. They participated last year, and i myself was lucky enough to go along, and lend my support to the girls. They finished in the bottom two of their group unfortunately, and thus qualified for the less lucrative plate tournament, ultimately the "losers" tournament, which they then went on to win, beating teams from Sweden and Iceland along the way.

This year however, for the week-long tournament, they're playing in the Under 17 category, with most of the girls just 15 or 16, and have been drawn in a group with three Swedish teams. I'm delighted to tell you they won their first group game 9-1 yesterday, and play again today at 15:00 Gothenberg time. Last night's opening ceremony was also a minor achievement, with the team selected to represent England on the customary lap of honour, and the team's captain selected to read the tournament's oath out from an English aspect.

I believe BBC Radio Wilts is following the girls' story, and also the Swindon adver. See below link for an official report.

http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/8275250.Town_girls_ready_to_take_on_the_world/

You can also follow their triumphs and tribulations at http://www.gothiacup.se/eng/

I'll hopefully keep this thread updated on how they get on, and lets hope they do well not only for Swindon, but for England after this summer's poor showing in the men's game.

Thanks for your time.

[Samdy Gray]

Notable Star. Kieron Dyer. Hahaha.

[Panda Paws]

Quite interesting to read. I played in the Gothia Cup about 10 or 12 years ago, when I lived in Sweden. It's an incredible tournament and a brilliant experience for the kids. Best of luck

[Batch]

I have a friend whose niece is playing in this (I think). She definitely played in the plate last year and she is there this year presumably this is the same team?!

Is it right that had a camera crew following them around before the tournament this year? If so, any idea if its intended for TV purposes or just in house EUFA/FIFA promotion?

[jayohaitchenn]

Fuck the blog, post some pics please.

[Mexicano Rojo]

this thread is useless without pics.

[Processed Beats]

I have pictures from last year?

I'm not there this year, finances aren't good in the family, but i should have pictures of this year's tournament by sunday/monday when they get back.

As for the camera crew question, i'm not sure. They've definitely had alot more attention within the local press this year; last year the adver seemed uninterested despite it being a fantastic achievement. One of the girl's fathers owns the futsal thing over Kembrey, so naturally he has been able to inject sponsorship which has helped fund the kits, and equipment.

One thing that must be said is the trip (travel expenses, hotels ect) has been funded by the girls and their families, all through fundraising events, definitely a breath of fresh air amongst the modern day over-paid pre-madonnas.

[Crispy]

Wow, fair play and good luck to her and her team!

[Processed Beats]

Quick update.

Yesterday the girls drew 1-1, against another Swedish team, which put them second in group 17 at the end of the day's proceedings.

They've already played this morning, their final group game, against the group's favourites and again a Swedish team, and beat them 2-1, which placed them top of the group, and through to the knock-out stages.

http://spelprogram.gothiacup.se/matcher?team=&class=10&group=Group+17&venue=0&day=0&page=1

I'll try and upload some pictures from last year later.

[Crispy]

Nice work, keep it up girls!

[donkey]

Hanvikens are shit.

[sonicyouth]

hanvikens is swedish for handicapped

[Winter of our Disco TENt]

I think Bristol Shitty's first team has been playing in this tournament - they lost 4-0 http://www.bcfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10327~2095450,00.html

[Processed Beats]

Wouldn't surprise me. Last year there was youth teams from Wolves and Barnsley staying in the same hotel as the girls.

[Processed Beats]

Final update it seems from me. We've just got news that the girls have lost in their first knock-out round match on penalties, despite being in the lead until the very last minute. Gutting news.