PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

Click here to view a promotional video for the Gothia Cup.

THE EXPERIENCE
A newcomer to the Gothia Cup is immediately blown away by the pulse-racing and patriotic opening ceremony as 65 nations parade their flags, Olympic-style, celebrating an event that is unsurpassed in youth sports. Hosted by professional soccer club BK Hacken, and supported by the city of Gothenburg, Gothia Cup offers a vast array of activities and attractions to compliment the high standard of soccer. Thousands of spectators surround the playing fields each day, creating a non-stop soccer feast of fun and excitement.

Gothenburg
Pronounced 'Yot-ta-borry' to Swedish locals, Gothenburg is one of Sweden's oldest and most charismatic cities with plenty for the visitor to do and see. The beautiful city architecture blends well with the cobbled streets, and diverse shopping centers, restaurants and cafes. For the shopper, Gothenburg is a paradise where you'll find practically everything you need within easy walking distance, from fashionable boutiques and department stores, to picturesque markets selling crafts, souvenirs and antiques.

Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony is one of the highlights of every Gothia Cup as 40,000 spectators do 'the wave' in modern Ullevi Stadium. Nation after nation marches round the track to the sounds of national songs and great cheers in an atmosphere comparable to the Olympic Games.

International Bonds
The Gothia Cup brings together young people from all over the world. They socialize and play soccer in a safe and fun environment, and although only 13 teams go home with first place trophies, every participant goes home with incredible memories and international email addresses of the new friendships they have made.

Gothia Cup Super Match
Every year the Gothia Cup plays host to one of the world's leading professional soccer teams. Ullevi Stadium is packed full as participants watch the pros practice and then play a first class soccer match. Previous visitors have included Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Gothia Cup Disco
For those players who still have energy after a day of soccer matches, excursions and shopping, the Gothia Cup Disco adjacent to Liseberg Amusement Park is a great atmosphere to make new international friends. Each evening 5,000 youngsters gather to socialize and dance in a smoke-free, no-alcohol setting, supervised by the Gothia Cup organizers.

Lisenberg Amusement Park
Tour participants receive FREE admittance to Liseberg, one of Europe's finest and most exciting amusement parks. On the outskirts of Gothenburg and readily accessible by foot, bus or tram, some spend every evening here, and no one misses it. Liseberg is the complete entertainment package for players and families, including rides, restaurants, cafes, music and live entertainment, with giant fireworks at night.

Canals, Parks, and Bike Trails!
Gothenburg is riddled with beautiful canals, parks, and bike trails, and has an excellent system of trams and busses that allows easy transport to just about any corner of the city. Gothenburg is famous for its friendly people and hospitality, as well as:

• Liseberg, Sweden's most visited attraction
• Canals that riddle the city
• Bike trails, Pedestrian walkways, bridges, parks
• Maritima Centrum world's largest maritime museum
• Konstmuseet Art Museum (Rembrandt, Picasso)
• The Avenue, Gothenburg's beautiful main street

Gothia Cup Statistics

• 65 nations
• 1250 teams
• 24,100 participants
• 40,000 spectators at opening ceremony
• 25,000 spectators at the finals
• 210,000 spectators at Heden Center
• 45,000 visitors to Gothenburg
• Average age: 15.5 years
• 67 soccer fields
• 3,160 games

Accommodations
Teams and parents stay in hotels in and around the city of Gothenburg and in close proximity to the playing fields, all easily accessible by free city transit transport.

Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour. Meals are served at the schools where the teams are staying and are an excellent preparation of Swedish traditional fare combined with the basic food groups to readily satisfy the appetites of hungry teenage soccer players from around the world.

Gothia Card
All tour participants receive a Gothia Card, which provides: o FREE transportation on city buses and trams o FREE admission to most Gothenburg attractions o FREE entry to the Ullevi Opening Ceremonies and Gothia Disco & o FREE admittance to Liseberg Amusement Park

Age Groups
Boys: Under 11 to 19
Girls: Under 12 to 19