16 Jul 2025 21:14:30
Sorry in advance for the long post, and there’s a little bit of parental pride at play here, but I am having the greatest time at the World Youth Cup this week in Gothenburg - also known as the Gothia Cup.
An amazing festival - this is our second year supporting my 13yo.
2,000 youth teams from U11 to U18, almost 5,000 games being played.
My boys team have just qualified for the knockout rounds starting tomorrow having finished second in their group.
Teams from 74 different nations, the opening ceremony on Monday was like an Olympic opening ceremony with 50k In the stadium!
My son likes to tell me that players who have played in this tournament in the past (it’s 50th year this year) include Shearer, Zlatan (and probably most Swedish players as half the teams are Swedish! ), Alonso and loads others!
Absolutely awesome and makes for a very proud Dad! ?.
{Ed025's Note - great stuff that Zed, thanks for sharing mate..
16 Jul 2025 21:56:44
Nice one Zed, I’d love to go to Gothenburg.
Well done to ”Zedinho” get him signed up to the Reds ?.
16 Jul 2025 22:06:22
Nice one, Zedd. You're a good man, and more important a great Dad. Keep us posted.
16 Jul 2025 22:33:37
Have fun, Zed. I love youth football cos that's where real football exists as they just let the kids play and express themselves.
16 Jul 2025 22:45:00
Brilliant zed. That is amazing to hear. Let us know how it goes mate.
16 Jul 2025 22:54:23
Well done Zed's son.
17 Jul 2025 00:49:27
I hope your lad is enjoying what sounds like an excellent tournament, @Zed. Be sure to let him know that we are cheering him on.
17 Jul 2025 08:12:19
Is right young zidanicus, keep us updated Snr ?.
17 Jul 2025 09:05:02
Nice one, Zed - best of luck to the lad! You must be incredibly proud. Soak it all in and enjoy every moment mate.
17 Jul 2025 09:35:16
Good luck Zedinho!
17 Jul 2025 10:37:31
Thanks for all of the messages boys, unfortunately the team were beaten in the knockouts by a great French team.
There’s a lot of academies that come to the tournament who play together week in week out, whereas our boys are picked from schools in the area so only meet at the start of the week. Still really proud of the team - last years team lost all 3 group matches, this year we made it through to the knockouts of the cup!
Was thinking it would be my boy’s last year (as it’s pretty expensive! ) but maybe just one more year ?.
17 Jul 2025 11:34:41
He's not a striker by any chance is he?
Good luck lad.
17 Jul 2025 15:47:55
Jim, nah he’s a CB/ CDM. If he can progress, he’ll be ready to take over from Gravy when he retires!