Some of the Pacific's up-and-coming soccer stars will be in action in Taupo from tomorrow.
District events manager Nick Reader is encouraging people from throughout the Central North Island to head along and support New Zealand's attempt to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics at the Oceania men's under-23 Olympic qualifying tournament at Owen Delany Park. The tournament features seven national teams.
It will be the first time since 1996 that a New Zealand-based Oceania tournament has been held outside of Auckland.
The pool matches will be held tomorrow, Sunday and Tuesday, with games at midday, 2.30pm and 5pm.
The semifinals will take place next Thursday at 1pm and 4pm, and the bronze final and final will be held on Saturday, March 24, at 1pm and 4pm respectively.
Mr Reader said they were expecting the best crowds for the New Zealand games - especially given All Whites Jake Gleeson and Marco Rojas had been named in the squad.
He said for the midweek games, they would like to see between 300 and 500 people and said a turnout of more than 2000 people at the final would be fantastic.
His pick of the games over the next few days is the New Zealand vs Papua New Guinea game which starts at 5pm tomorrow - New Zealand's opening game of the tournament.
"It would be cool if people could knock off work a bit earlier and head along."
He said with a bar on site and food options available, it is a good option for a Friday-night after-work get-together.
He likened the tournament to a mini Rugby World Cup.
"Hosting this tournament is a huge honour and we want to do our very best to ensure the teams feel welcome and things go smoothly for the tournament organisers, New Zealand Football."
He said no doubt many of the young New Zealand players will go on to become All Whites.
"It's a great opportunity, for school groups especially, to come along and witness their future heroes in action."
New Zealand Football chief executive Grant McKavanagh said New Zealand would hopefully do well.
"Playing on New Zealand soil is definitely a huge advantage, so we're very pleased to be coming to Taupo."
Tickets can be bought from the gate on game days and are $10 for adults and $5 for teenagers and those over 65. Children aged 12 and under are free.
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