In Gothenburg, the 50th edition of the Gothia World Youth Cup is underway. In addition to the thousands of matches played in and around Gothenburg, the tournament is also a major gathering spot for many people working within football.
“Gothia Cup truly is a meeting place for football clubs and players from all over the world, and as a result, also an important forum for coaches, managers, referees, academy directors, and many other stakeholders. For us who collaborate with the tournament, this is an important forum for the entire Swedish football family”, says Svante Samuelsson, sporting director at Swedish Professional Football Leagues.
At the same time as the worlds largest youth tournaments main arena at Heden in Gothenburg welcomes over 10,000 spectators for some matches, the arena also serves as a gathering spot for many Swedish football figures, who mingle around the area. The benefit of networking is significant, and in a summery Gothenburg, many different actors can spontaneously meet and have relaxed conversations.
“Many important people are present in Gothenburg during this week. Club representatives, partners, elite referees, scouts, and both current and former coaches”, says Svante Samuelsson.
Swedish Professional Football Leagues has its own Boys 15 category called SEF Trophy which functions as a tournament within the tournament at Gothia Cup. This year, the SEF Trophy is played in Torslanda on Hisingen, except for the final, which is held at SKF Arena at Heden in Gothenburg.
Gothia Cup’s other elite category is called Puma Trophy and is played for Boys 17 teams. Swedish Professional Football Leagues contributes by using its certification to select the twelve Swedish clubs that will represent Sweden in the tournament, where they face academy teams from twelve foreign clubs. The matches in the tournament are played at Heden and Valhalla IP in Gothenburg.
“Gothia Cup gives all participants and visitors memories for life. Thanks to the Gothia Cup organization, which year after year manages to successfully stage such a large event”, says Svante Samuelsson.
Follow the tournament on the official webpage of Gothia Cup.
